A Tauranga teacher diagnosed with diabetes changed his diet, changed his life and lost 48kg in the process. Win-win.

Pete Maslin previously hasn't missed a day without a sugary drink, and consumed fatty foods 'a few times a week”.

Pete Maslin is hoping to manage his diabetes with diet and exercise alone.

But a diagnosis of Type-two diabetes, two years ago put paid to pies, burgers and soft drinks.

Giving up those sweet treats wasn't simple. 'It was a substantial change. I changed the types of foods I was eating, and the portion sizes I was eating.” Pete laughs, adding, 'Probably more to reflect the type of diet a person naturally should eat.”

It might not have been simple, but it was definitely worth it. Pete is due to have a blood test this month, likely to give him a clean bill of health, and he is clearly excited. 'It means I'll be off my medication and I'll be managing my diabetes with diet and exercise alone.”

The Ministry of Health advertisement featuring Valerie Adams struck a chord with Pete.

'We're loving the wrong types of foods and we're loving the wrong portions of foods. That's what I was doing.”

Pete is keen to point out he didn't go on any kind of fad diet. 'I went by the rules we're supposed to go by.”

Now he follows the guidelines in the Diabetes New Zealand handbook. 'Fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, less processed foods, and a lot of steamed stuff.”

Perhaps unexpectedly, the journey has been fun for Pete.

'I've really enjoyed figuring out what I like, and then trying to work out what a diabetics, or healthier, option would be so I can still have them.”

A low-fat, low-sugar delicious lasagne was top of his investigative list.

Pete found he can still eat most of what he ate before, just healthier. He was happy when his doctor said he could still have the occasional treat.

'Every time I go to the movies, I have an ice cream. And I still really enjoy a good hamburger from time to time, just not all the time.”