So big, I was GOING BLIND

Tracey Woods spent years ignoring her weight, but something had to change

- FRANCESCA WOODSTOCK

Watching the roller coaster twist and loop in front of me, I couldn’t wait for my turn. It was 2018, and my husband, Gary, then 40, and I had taken our two children, Harry, 15, and Millie, 13, to Southend’s Adventure Island for the day. But as we climbed on and got ready for the ride, I started to panic. The safety bar in front of me wouldn’t click into place – I was too big! Eventually admitting defeat, I told Gary to stay with the kids while a fairground assistant escorted me off the ride. Onlookers stared as I waddled away, and I’d never felt so embarrassed in my life.

My weight had been a problem for as long as I could remember. At the age of 11, I found out I had type 1 diabetes, meaning my body struggled to control my blood sugar levels. I had to inject myself with insulin four times a day and was warned I’d need to eat a healthy, balanced diet to reduce the risk of developing even more health complications. High blood sugar levels can affect the heart, kidneys and even eyesight, by damaging tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye.

Mum always served a salad with dinner, but as a teen, when my friends tucked into burgers and chips at McDonald’s, I didn’t want to miss out. I’d often skip breakfast, thinking I could save a few calories, but I’d have crisps and fizzy drinks throughout the day.