Andrew Turton's Story

Andrew Turton has been overweight for the majority of his life and unknowingly diabetic for what he assumes is at least ten years. In April 2018, he developed a diabetic ulcer on his big toe and after refusing to be admitted to the hospital, as was recommended by his doctor, Turton decided to reverse his type 2 diabetes.

“Looking back and analyzing my past habits, I realized I ate junk food in order to cope with stress and depression,” Turton said. “Although I had in the past tried to break this cycle, I always failed for one reason or another but mainly because I could not break my addiction to processed sugar and crisps (potato chips).”

At 52 years old, with a wife and a teenage daughter, Turton was motivated to change his life to stick around for them. “My mother was also obese and diabetic and she died of liver cancer twelve years ago at the age of 61; and this also motivated me in my quest to create a healthy lifestyle,” he explained. “I chose life; I felt if I gave up it would shorten my life and I wanted to be there to support my daughter.”

As he started searching for more information about diabetes online, Turton came across Dr. Berg’s YouTube channel and found it interesting, informative, and educational. “I liked the way Dr. Berg was able to articulate complex information in a simple and concise way,” he said. “This drew me to watch more of his content.”

The first two months of changing his eating habits were the hardest for Turton because his sugar cravings were intense. But once he got on the keto diet, he claimed, his sugar cravings completely disappeared.

Thanks to the support of his wife and his own determination, Turton says he now feels the healthiest he’s ever been.  “I no longer feel lethargic. I have so much more energy, stamina, and I feel fuller no longer eating processed junk food,” he said. “The sugar is out of my body so things that wouldn’t usually taste sweet now do taste sweet. My taste buds have changed.” He also enjoys not having to shop for clothes in the “Mr. Big store.”

Dr. Berg’s tips have helped Turton to sleep better and feel less depressed than before. “I wish I discovered Dr. Berg earlier but I do not think I would have changed anything [about my journey],” he said. He has lost just over 137 pounds (62 kg) so far and is still working to reach his goal weight of 165 pounds (75 kg).

When asked what advice he would share with others, he explained that you need to be disciplined and determined not to give up. “I’d also [say] to track your weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar so that you can see how you are progressing,” he said. “For me this was vital in understanding where I was and helped me keep on track. Don’t give up—it is not a diet fad but a lifestyle choice.”

Favorite Way to Exercise: “For me, I go to the gym every day and I like the elliptical; it has the least impact on my body,” said Turton. “But I also like the stepper as I find this the hardest thing in the gym and [it] pushes me to do better each time.”

Favorite Keto Recipe: Anything with fish