Grandfather’s Health Journey After Pre-Diabetes Diagnosis

A 66-year-old grandfather, who exercised regularly, felt unsettled when he learned he was pre-diabetic. He realized that making just one small change in his eating habits had a significant impact.

Will McKetchiney, a dance instructor from Ritum St Annes in Lancashire, shared with SWNS that he was under the impression that his health was quite good. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 167 pounds, he wore medium-sized shirts, danced seven times a week, and indulged in snacks like chocolate bars and chips without a second thought.

“Honestly, I believed I was healthy,” McKetchiney admitted.

However, after undergoing a free screening for individuals over 60 in May 2023, routine blood tests revealed that his average blood sugar level was at 6.2%, indicating pre-diabetes, according to SWNS.

It wasn’t until a year later, during an unrelated appointment, that McKetchiney discovered his results.

“I was stunned and really anxious to find out I was pre-diabetic,” he recounted.

Motivated to make a change, McKetchiney not only altered his diet but also transformed his eating practices. He eliminated his nightly treats of chocolate and chips, opting for whole, nutritious foods instead. Now, it takes him 40 minutes to enjoy a whole wheat chicken sandwich for lunch.

“I treat myself very occasionally now and I’m feeling much lighter,” he remarked.

His breakfast is now centered around fruit, and typical dinners consist of boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, celery, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers. Adopting a slower, more mindful approach to eating, he managed to lose nearly 27 pounds, bringing his weight down to 142 pounds, which required him to switch to smaller shirts. He also trimmed two inches off his waist, and crucially, his blood sugar dropped to 5.9% within nine months.

“I’m very determined,” McKetchiney stated.

He mentioned, “If I set my mind to something, I will accomplish it and aim to lower my blood sugar even more.”

Remarkably, he finds he no longer battles cravings for sweets and doesn’t feel the need to dash to the store for chocolate anymore. Aside from his healthy lifestyle changes, he looks after his 18-month-old grandson and teaches two dance classes weekly.

McKetchiney, who quit smoking in 1986 and drinking in 2012, emphasizes the importance of proactive health checks—even for those who appear well on the outside. He believes regular blood sugar monitoring is beneficial, stating, “It’s worth checking your blood sugar regularly, even if you have to pay for it.” He added, “It’s so much better to catch issues early.”

Now, McKetchiney feels stronger than ever and has a considerable amount of energy.

“I felt so relieved to have taken that test. It truly changed my life,” he concluded.