FORMER diabetic Andrew Clayton is free of the condition after losing 10 stone and taking up running.

Andrew, 34 from Wincham, reversed a Type II diabetes diagnosis through drastically changing his lifestyle, and on November 16 returns to the first running event he took part in - Run in the Dark Manchester.

At the age of 31 he was 25 stone, and suffering symptoms of diabetes, so was not surprised when he received a call from his GP in June 2014 confirming he had Type II diabetes.

Andrew said: “I was chronically obese, unfit and getting more and more miserable.

“The diagnosis delivered the message that I was killing myself, but my GP had faith my obesity was the root of the problem, and with weight loss I may be able to reverse my diabetes.”

Andrew’s HbA1c protein level 79, way above the threshold for diabetes of 48.

By measuring the protein in the blood clinicians can get an overall picture of average blood sugar levels.

The dietician said Andrew had three months to reduce his level to under 56 or they would have to offer medical help.

Andrew emptied his cupboards, started on a Low Glycemic Load diet to help keep his blood sugar levels consistent and stuck to it.

Three months later and three stone lighter. he received another call telling him his HbA1c level was below 40 - which meant he had reversed his diabetes.

He said: “Everyone, including my GP, was flabbergasted. That news was all I needed to keep going.

“Six months later I’d lost six stone, and as my weight loss had begun to plateau I decided to start the Couch to 5k programme.

“When I saw the date of Run in the Dark Manchester 2015 I signed up as it fit perfectly with the training plan.”

Since that first running event, Andrew ran his first 10k in March, and hit his goal of losing over 10 stone in total.

Run in the Dark Manchester is returning for a fourth year, and Andrew will join hundreds of other runners in the night-time event.

Participants will set out on a course around Salford Quays to run 5k or 10k.

Andrew said: “As my first timed 5k race Run in the Dark holds a special place in my heart. I’m excited to be back this year, and aim to run the 5k course under 25 minutes.”