I suffered from constant extreme tiredness, also I had no way of knowing how to drop my sugars or get in control.

I thought I was doing the right thing but I was lacking the exact knowledge required. As a result my HbA1c was far to high at 55. I realised that something needed to be done or I would be at the point of no return.

I had been looking for a while but most studies were centered towards people on insulin or with kidney disease. Free from Type 2 made immediate sense to me and introduced the right tools and knowledge for me to work with. It was a revelation.

It wasn't so much joining the Facebook group it was the thought of going under Mary's tutelage that I was a bit hesitant about at first. Why? I think I was at the point of no return and I had to stop kidding myself that HbA1c readings in the 50's were OK.

I knew that if I joined forces with Mary I had to put my best foot forward because although I didn't want to let myself or my family down, most importantly I didn't want to let Mary down. It also went through my mind that I needed to get real with my diabetic condition because the alternative facing me would be massively failing health. The time was right for me to make change and this ensured that my head was right for the challenges in front of me.

The group is run superbly with a lot of support, not just from Mary but from the other group members. Most importantly, whatever challenges you may have or whatever questions you may have, their is always an answer or a solution. A lot of people don't know where to start when they have diabetes, this group takes you by the hand and gives you all the guidance and support you could possibly need. As they say a problem shared is a problem halved, and most importantly whatever doubts or struggles you may have, somebody else has already had them, and as a result can offer sound practical guidance and support

In simple terms I wanted a track to run on. This I found, and it encouraged great dietary discipline but with very little hardship.

It just made sense, but most importantly their was so much up to date scientific guidance and knowledge. Things are broken down into easy to understand language, allied with practical guidance.

In simple terms, I am now operating with non-diabetic bloods. This was achieved in just under three weeks and eleven weeks later I am still on target to achieve a non-diabetic (not even pre-diabetic) HbA1c. A nice side effect is that I have also lost 25 pounds in weight. I can also honestly that I have never been hungry on this newfound way of eating. Most importantly it is NOT A DIET, it is a way of embracing foods that are a more natural fit for the human body.

I enjoy the regular zoom meetings, the banter between the members, the flow of information about many subjects and the fact that you have a wealth of knowledge you can tap into at any moment in time.

First and foremost I would use myself as a pretty good real-life example as to how the scourge of diabetes can be controlled, reduced and even reversed by following the guidance from Mary and the group. As they say, I've read the book, seen the film and got the T-shirt with regards to Type 2 diabetes. At the end of the day, I would encourage a friend to "wake up and smell the coffee".

You can't stick your head in the sand with diabetes as it is a progressive disease which will control your life, reduce the quality of your life and ultimately take your life. In other words, what is there to lose?

Health is a personal thing and without doubt the most important factor in determining whether we have a good, active, healthy and rewarding life. I can't speak too highly of Mary Kemp and the group. She/they have given me my life back to what it was ten years ago. Energy levels have gone up, enthusiasm has increased, my weight has gone down and above all, I now have the tools to keep this disease at bay if not eradicated forever