Mark Cater was told he had developed the condition last year and was offered medication to manage it.
However, after turning the medication down, he instead opted to make a number of lifestyle changes.
Mr Cater, from Norwich, said: “I was offered medication but decided to try and change things through diet and exercise.
“Within 12 weeks I had turned around my diagnosis and my blood sugar was well out of range of even the pre-diabetic stage.
“I lost one-and-a-half stone, now have loads more energy and can exercise for longer. My clothes also fit much better.”
Mr Cater made his changes after taking up a referral to Slimming World through Norfolk County Council.
The 12-week programme is being offered for free by the council to anybody who is over 18 with a body mass index of 30 (or 27.5 for black, Asian and minority ethnic groups).
Mr Cater added: “I had done Slimming World in the past and it worked for me. I really wanted to get my diabetes under control, so I decided to give it another go.
“For me, the 12 weeks was long enough to see a difference. You might have a week when you don’t lose as much as you’d hoped, but overall, you will definitely see the benefits.”
It comes as County Hall launched a healthy weight campaign called ‘We can do this’ – alongside Slimming World and Your Health Norfolk.
Bill Borrett, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Norfolk County Council, said: “Everyone knows that being overweight can lead to health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, but it is never too late to make small lifestyle changes.”
For more information visit norfolk.gov.uk/wecandothis
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