An inspirational slimmer from Felixstowe who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes almost a year ago has turned his life around so dramatically he’s beaten the disease and now hopes to inspire others.
David Cotter, 59, of Brightwell Close in Felixstowe, was diagnosed with the condition in January as a result of being overweight. His issues were so severe that he was being given the maximum dosage of medication, and also suffered from high blood pressure.
But after seeing a television documentary about the risks the disease posed to his life, Mr Cotter, who weighed 18st 12lbs, made some lifestyle changes and joined his local Slimming World fitness class.
Now, almost one year on from his diagnosis, the window cleaner is celebrating his new found zest for life after shedding five and a half stone to weigh in at 13st 4lbs – he has even had to stop taking any medication for his diabetes. “I am thrilled,” he said. “When I was diagnosed in January it took a while for the impact of it to sink in, so I kept getting worse and didn’t realise how serious it was.
“When you have the before and after photograph I could see I was a big guy and there was no smile behind my eyes.”
The group works on changing eating lifestyles, rather than cutting out certain foods entirely, with advice and support in cooking food properly, and taking part in gentle exercise regularly.
As a window cleaner, Mr Cotter was already active, and with additional daily dog walks coupled with new ways of using food such as steaming, rather than frying, he is now ready to inspire others when he starts leading his own Slimming World group from January 2.
“I am doing this because it has changed my life so much,” he said. “I know exactly what it’s like, and I am excited to help people.”
Mr Cotter describes himself as a naturally shy person who doesn’t like to shout about his success, but after being encouraged to share his story, he is hoping he can help make an impact on the lives of others who are struggling.
“I am nervous in case I can’t help people, but I am hoping I can and there is a lot of training to help me.
“I get a real kick out of helping people who are struggling so I am excited to start the group.”
The group will meet from 8.30am on Saturday mornings, beginning on Saturday, January 2, at the Royal British Legion in Mill Lane, with the potential of a second class being set up at 10.30am.
For more information call 07874 241686.
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