Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson has revealed how he lost seven stone and reversed his type 2 diabetes by cutting out sugar, taking up exercise, and radically transforming his health. Watson, who at his heaviest weighed 22 stone, has now lost 44kg and is in remission from the condition.
Watson was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in late 2015, but said he felt 'frightened and ashamed' and remained in denial for a year or two. After reading books by Aseem Malhotra and Michael Mosley, he decided to cut out all refined sugar and processed foods, as well as starchy carbohydrates. He also began exercising, starting with small goals like taking the stairs and walking 10,000 steps a day.
Within a month, his blood glucose levels were normal, and after three months, his long-term blood sugar levels were within range. Two months ago, he came off medication. Watson now does two cardio workouts a week and weight-training, and says he feels 'liberated' and more energetic.
Watson believes Britain's food system is broken and that NHS advice needs to change. He says his mission is to help other patients, and that he considers himself a 'reformed sugar addict' who must avoid sugar to keep the condition at bay.
