THINGS can change in an instant. We know this deep down, of course, and it is especially true of our health. Recently, after a bout of feeling really ill, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Anyone can get it, you don’t have to be overweight or unfit, or older, to develop this condition.

One of my friends, fit and well-eating, has it also. But of course, my lifestyle of bad eating, irregular exercise and failing to manage stress has, I’m sure, been a big contributor for me.

It was pointless to regret my lack of change in the past, for it was done. Often we need a shake-up, a shock, to make us fundamentally change our ways, even when we know already that we should be doing so.

As the doctor reeled off the possible health complications that diabetes can cause, I felt, in that moment, everything had changed.

But then there was a realisation that I could try to turn what for me was a frightening diagnosis into something positive. I’m 58 now and the milestone of 60 seems incredulously close; but then again, so did 30, 40 and 50. I cannot regret that I’m getting older as that would be to regret that I’m still alive!

My diabetes has made me realise that my life, my body and my wellbeing now needs to take centre stage. The trouble is this sounds selfish to me, but of course it isn’t. We can’t look after others if we don’t look after ourselves; that’s a lesson I am learning.

It may seem obvious, of course, but many struggle to find the time, the energy and resources to create space for themselves. This can be particularly true for parents, who may be juggling hectic working routines with family life. But life throws up challenges for everyone.

My new reality is if I don’t treat my health with respect and do what is needed, then 60 may be the last decade-opener for me, or maybe I won’t reach it.

As I said, I realised I could find positives in this. I have developed a new relationship with food and discovered that, even at my age, you can quickly re-train your taste buds, and not only get used to, but really enjoy new, healthier food and eating habits.

I have portion sizes now that I would have laughed at before, but I savour the experience, and truthfully enjoy eating more now.

That may sound strange, but I’ve realised that the way and amount I was consuming food before was as unhealthy as the food often was itself.

It’s still early days for me, I have a lot to still learn and challenges to win. But I feel that I am now in control of food, rather than food controlling me. I no longer feel the need to snack or run to the fridge the moment I have a pang of hunger. I want to feed me, not my diabetes. It’s really changed my behaviour.

I’ll stop here. I’m trying not to be a food obsessive and bore everyone with my newly discovered recipes and food facts, so I won’t do that here!

It’s not just about food, of course, it’s also how life is lived. Maximising exercise, trying as much as possible to reduce stress and anxiety, getting regular, decent amounts of sleep. I know people know this stuff. I knew this stuff! But I still didn’t do it! Now I will.

That’s the positive that has come with my diagnosis. The truth is, at my age, even without diabetes, not looking after myself and eating badly would shorten or reduce the quality of my life anyway. Indeed, that is a universal truth that we all often forget in the bustle of getting through our days.

There is a gift in all this. Yes, a gift: of the reminder that life needs to be cherished and looked after, not taken for granted; and of the self-awareness and the motivation to make real and lasting changes that are needed.

My aim now is to put it into remission by losing weight and living as well as I can. Even if I achieve this, I cannot go back to my old ways as it will be waiting in the wings for an invite to return if I do. Yet in all honesty, I wouldn’t want to go back to my old ways. I am ironically feeling better than I have for ages and I can now get into my kilt with ease, and hopefully look less like George IV while wearing it.

The support and advice from so many people around me who have their own personal health issues, including their own experiences with diabetes, has been invaluable. Their tips and encouragement on food have been greatly appreciated. And our privilege of living in a country with the NHS is never far from my mind.

My body has put me on probation. And every time I look into the eyes of my kids, I know I’m going to take this as seriously as anything in my life.