A heart attack survivor from Oldham has transformed his health by losing four stone and reversing his pre-diabetic diagnosis, proving that small lifestyle changes can have a life-changing impact. Forty-seven-year-old Terry Blinco is sharing his story during Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week to encourage others to take positive steps towards improving their health. In August 2023, Terry suffered a heart attack that resulted in two stents being fitted and lifelong medication. The experience had a profound impact on his mental health, leaving him afraid to leave his home for almost a year. “Following the heart attack, I had a mental breakdown and refused to leave my room for 12 months because I was terrified of having another heart attack,” Terry said. “During that time, I gained five stone and became pre-diabetic.” Everything changed when a routine blood test identified Terry as being at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In December 2024, he was invited to join the NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme.
Initially, Terry was reluctant to attend. “My first thoughts were, ‘I don’t need telling what to do,’ ‘I already cook most meals from scratch,’ and ‘I can’t exercise because of my heart condition, so this will be a waste of everyone’s time,'” he admitted. After discussing his concerns with family members, Terry decided to give the programme another chance. “They helped me realise that, unlike my heart attack, becoming diabetic was something I could actually prevent.”
As the weeks progressed, Terry began making manageable changes to his daily routine. Following further assessments, his cardiologist confirmed he could safely begin light exercise, such as walking, to rebuild his strength and confidence. He also became more mindful of what he was eating. “I started reading food labels while shopping and measuring ingredients when cooking,” he explained. “I’d always cooked by eye, like TV chefs do, and I was shocked at how inaccurate my portion sizes were.” Using a calorie-counting app, healthier recipes and regular walks, Terry gradually began to lose weight. By the seventh session, both his appearance and confidence had noticeably improved. The programme also helped Terry develop a healthier mindset towards weight loss. “I’ve learned that one bad day doesn’t ruin the whole week,” he said. “If I go out for a meal with family, I don’t have to avoid it. I can balance my calories across the week and make better choices. I’ve also accepted that I can’t exercise like I did when I was 20 – I have to work with where I am now.”
Today, Terry has lost four stone, is no longer pre-diabetic and feels more in control of both his physical and mental wellbeing. Dr Claire Lake, Deputy Chief Clinical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, said Terry’s experience demonstrates how achievable lifestyle changes can prevent serious health conditions. “There are many people across Greater Manchester who know they have a preventable health issue but don’t know where to begin,” she said. “Terry’s story shows that making small, consistent changes can have a significant impact on your health. Most importantly, it’s never too late to start, and no one has to do it alone.” Around 250,000 people across Greater Manchester are currently living with pre-diabetes, meaning their blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Without intervention, many are at increased risk of developing the condition. Since 2019, more than 37,000 people across Greater Manchester have taken part in the NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme, which is available free of charge both in person and online. The programme also offers additional accessibility support, including services for people with visual or hearing impairments and those who speak Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Pashto or Gujarati. People concerned about their risk of developing type 2 diabetes are encouraged to speak to their GP, complete the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk assessment or find out if they are eligible for the NHS Healthier You programme.