Hi, I am Neil from South Wales. On the 2nd July 2015 I was diagnosed with a chronic condition....one where I had recognised all the symptoms but had chosen to ignore them. Tiredness, raging thirst and visiting the little boys room more and more. I put it all down to a stressful lifestyle. My hba1c was 119. In the words of the most officious and rude nurse that I have ever met - dangerously high. She then told me in no uncertain terms that I was a type 2 diabetic and that I would be on tablets for the rest of my life and that if I didnt do something about it a lot worse would happen. I was shocked, stunned and angry. Firstly at the nurse - how very dare she speak to me like that.....but increasingly at myself. How had this happened? I decided to choose my attitude. It was a choice - either to say poor me and dwell on it all (but ultimately accept my fate) or not accept it lightly and do something about it. I decided quite quickly that I will show that bloody nurse that I am made of tougher stuff. I completely altered my diet - cut out sugar,chocolate (not touched it), bread, junk food (not eaten anything Mcd's since that date - they may be going into insolvency because of this), potatoes (cut down), desserts, eating between meals, energy drinks and full fat soft drinks - all cut out completely. I also gave up alcohol - well almost....one glass of wine a week. I then decided to do more exercise - firstly swimming and recently taken up running - not huge distances (about 10 to 12 km per week). I have lost 2 stone - regained my chin and my waistline (had to buy new trousers - hate shopping for clothes). I set myself the goal of losing 3 stone (so getting there), maintaining my diet and exercise regime, and then getting my hba1c level down to about 75 by October 30th (the date of my next blood test). The aim being to bring it below 48 within 12 months and back to normal range. I have very rarely been so focussed and driven to do anything. My wife and family have been so supportive, along with and a few close friends. I have become a bit of a diabetic Nazi ....but it was the only way for me. Yesterday I got the results of my hba1c.....and it came down to 39....so I have reached my goal in 4 months instead of 12! Just shows what will power and a bit of a plan can do...along with a much healthier lifestyle. My aim is now to maintain that lifestyle and come off those tablets within the next 6 months. I ignored my symptoms for about 6 months - big mistake, as I had a harder journey. Since being diagnosed though, I feel healthier and am certainly fitter than I have been since I was a teenager!