Diabetes diagnosis inspires runner

Friday 11th May 2012

When Jason McEwen was told he had Type 2 diabetes he vowed to change his lifestyle to help his condition.

The 33-year-old management consultant found he had diabetes after a routine health check at work showed his blood sugars were high.

Since his diagnosis in July, he has lost two-and-a-half-stone and is now preparing to run the Great Manchester Run for Diabetes UK on May 20.

Jason, who followed up the health check with a visit to his GP, said: "I had absolutely no idea that I had diabetes. It was a massive shock to me and my family, especially as I thought the condition was something that just happened to people in their 40s or 50s."

Jason, from Manchester, used his diagnosis to change his lifestyle for the better.

He said: "When I was diagnosed, I had a BMI of 34 and was considered obese, but since then I have lost two-and-a-half stone with a diet that's low in fat and sugar. The Bupa Great Manchester Run for Diabetes UK is one of the ways I focused my training schedule and encouraged me to change my work/life balance so I could train more."

Diabetes UK is the nominated charity partner for the Bupa Great Run Series 2012.

Running, as well as other physical activities, can help with managing diabetes more effectively, in addition to helping reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Kate McKie, Diabetes UK North West fundraising manager, said: "The funds Jason raises will go a long way in helping us continue to support over 23,534 people already diagnosed with diabetes in Manchester, and help us find the estimated 4,700 people in the area who are unaware they have Type 2 diabetes."

To sponsor Jason visit http://www.justgiving.com/mcewens.

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