A man from Keynsham who put his Type 2 diabetes in remission within five months of being diagnosed will be running the Bath Half Marathon to raise money for Diabetes UK.
Before and after – Pete Weymouth has put his Type 2 diabetes in remission
Pete Weymouth, 32, was shocked when doctors told him last April that he had Type 2 diabetes.
He was determined to do what he could to stop the condition in its tracks. Out went the takeaways, fizzy drinks and chocolates and in came a healthier diet, road running and the gym.
His weight dropped from 20 stone to 15 stone in five months. Then in September, he was told that his blood glucose levels were once again in the healthy range.
As a result, Pete is no longer taking medication for his Type 2 diabetes and, as part of his plan to keep the condition in remission, he entered next year’s Bath Half.
The run on Sunday 17th March 2019 will see around 12,000 runners take to the streets of the World Heritage City to tackle the 13.1-mile route.
Pete, an assistant sales manager, is also entering the London Marathon just a few weeks later. He said: “I was only built for competitive eating before, but now I run seven or eight miles most days.
“I even went running at 6am every morning on my honeymoon, though my wife wasn’t too happy because I woke her up. But since I decided to tackle my Type 2 diabetes, I have noticed a massive improvement in my mental and physical health.
“All my hard work has paid off and, best of all, I am not diabetic anymore.”
People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly, known as insulin resistance.
They might get Type 2 diabetes because their family history, age and ethnic background puts them at increased risk. They are also more likely to get Type 2 diabetes if they are overweight.
Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which is not preventable, three in five cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a healthy diet and increased physical activity.
If not managed well, diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as sight loss, lower limb amputation and stroke.
Natasha Evans, Diabetes UK Fundraising Events Manager, said: “Pete Weymouth is an absolute inspiration. We applaud his drive to put his Type 2 diabetes in remission and to celebrate his new-found fitness by entering the Bath Half.
“The funds he will raise will help fund ground-breaking research, and care services and campaigns to improve the lives of people with diabetes.
“If other people would like to join Team Diabetes UK in running the Bath Half, we still have a few places left. You’re guaranteed full fundraising support and loud cheers on the day from our crowd of enthusiastic supporters.”
The Bath Half is one of the most popular city-centre road events in the UK. The course is fast and flat, making it suitable for all abilities, from beginners to experienced event runners looking to beat their personal best.
To apply for a Diabetes UK place in the Bath Half, go to www.diabetes.org.uk/get_involved/fundraising-events/bath-half-marathon.
If you register between Boxing Day and 31st January 2019, you only pay £1 instead of the usual fee of £25.
