**Lancashire Grandfather Reverses Pre-Diabetic Diagnosis With Simple Lifestyle Shift**
A Lancashire grandfather who believed he was in peak physical condition was left stunned when an NHS health check indicated he was pre-diabetic. Despite maintaining an active lifestyle, a healthy body weight, and abstaining from alcohol and smoking, Will McKechnie found himself facing a potential health crisis—one commonly associated with poor diet and sedentary habits.
The 66-year-old dance teacher from Lytham St Annes, who often spent his weeks leading lively dance classes and caring for his grandson, did not fit the typical profile of someone at risk of pre-diabetes. At 11st 13lb and slipping into medium-sized shirts, Mr McKechnie showed no outward signs of concern. Yet, routine blood screening during an ‘over 60s MOT’ initiated by the NHS told a different story: his test revealed an average blood sugar of 44 mmol/mol, comfortably within the pre-diabetic range.
Mr McKechnie confessed he was taken aback by the findings, saying, “I was so shocked and worried to hear I was pre-diabetic. I thought I was in good health and didn’t realise snacks like a nightly Yorkie bar or a bag of crisps could pose such a risk.” Many might assume that visible indicators like weight or fitness are the tell-tale signs of health, but Mr McKechnie’s experience serves as a reminder that conditions like pre-diabetes can remain hidden beneath the surface.
Determined to reverse his diagnosis and avoid a future living with diabetes, Mr McKechnie decided to make significant changes to his eating habits. Interestingly, it was not just what he ate, but how he ate that paved the way to better health. He shifted from quickly consuming large meals to eating much more slowly and mindfully. “I started chewing every bite thoroughly and really taking my time over meals. Now it takes me about 40 minutes just to eat lunch—a wholemeal chicken sandwich,” he shared.
These changes, alongside cutting back on sugary and salty snacks, led to dramatic health improvements within months. Over the course of nine months, Mr McKechnie’s blood sugar levels fell back within the normal range at 41 mmol/mol. His renewed lifestyle also resulted in notable weight loss, dropping down to 10st 2lb and shrinking his waistline by two inches—a transformation that allowed him to don small-sized shirts rather than medium.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr McKechnie said, “I feel incredibly lucky to have caught this early and really grateful to the NHS for the routine check. I feel fitter, stronger, and more energetic now than I have in years.” He notes that he no longer craves sugary treats, and has replaced old habits with a nutritious breakfast of fruit and a dinner menu that features boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, celery, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and cucumber.
Aside from personal motivation, Will also utilised the NHS-provided app ‘Second Nature’ to guide his dietary overhaul. He credits the psychological support and structured advice from the digital programme as key to maintaining his new habits. Having quit smoking in 1986 and given up alcohol in 2012, Mr McKechnie’s determination shines through: “I’m not one to give up easily. I’m already looking at ways to get my blood sugar lower still—even the smallest treats are rare for me now.”
His experience highlights the importance of routine health checks, especially as individuals age. “Even if you have to pay for it, having your blood sugar checked regularly is so worthwhile,” he advised. “The earlier you know, the sooner you can act—and potentially avoid far more serious health consequences later.”
Mr McKechnie’s story is yet another reminder that health is multi-faceted and a person’s risk profile cannot always be determined on appearance alone. As lifestyle-related illnesses continue to rise, his message is simple but powerful: heed your routine check-ups, and do not ignore small but significant changes that could improve health and wellbeing.