I responded by learning as much as I could about diabetes from a variety of sources, including books, the internet, and Diabetes UK literature. A major part of the treatment for type 2 diabetes is diet, exercise and weight loss. And since I've struggled with my weight and compulsive eating for most of my life, it's an ongoing challenge to change my lifestyle in the necessary way.

Sometimes it's a right royal pain, and other times it makes very little difference. Because I don't use insulin, I'm not at risk of becoming hypoglycaemic and I don't have to follow a strict timetable for eating, so it's a lot easier than if I had type 1 diabetes.

The main difference between having and not having diabetes are: I test my blood sugar, I take tablets, and I have regular check-ups. I also try to eat healthily and take regular exercise - not always successfully. I used to do that before as well - but now the stakes are much higher, which helps my motivation.

I've dieted many times in the past, and lost a lot of weight several times, but always gained it all back. Now the risks I face seem much more real. I'm currently about a stone and a half lighter than when my diabetes was diagnosed, and this is the first time I've ever maintained a significant weight loss for that long. Although I'm still very overweight, I give myself a pat on the back for what I've managed so far, and keep on trying.

The cornerstone of treatment for type 2 diabetes is a healthy diet - low fat, low sugar, plenty of fruit and vegetables - and regular exercise. I also take tablets to lower my blood sugar, because I wasn't able to maintain good control with diet and exercise alone. And, as my GP never fails to remind me, weight loss usually improves diabetic control.

Needless to say, the hardest part is sticking to a healthy diet when you'd rather be eating pizza and cream cakes. But for anyone who's eating a healthy diet already, having diabetes would impose few changes on them, except avoiding drinks containing a lot of sugar.

Oh - and to scotch a widespread misconception - people with diabetes can eat food containing sugar, but we're advised to eat them in small quantities, after a meal, because that helps to limit the rise in blood sugar.

Learn as much as you can about diabetes and its treatment - most of the day-to-day management is down to you, and NHS staff don't always have as much time to spend with each patient as they'd like.

Don't put up with blood sugar levels that are 'not too bad' - they will hurt you in the long run.

Be positive - make changes gradually, and never give up.