A Walsall dad who was diagnosed with diabetes after having a tooth removed is urging others to make sure they take the condition seriously to protect their health.

Richard Harrison, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2007. After having a wisdom tooth removed, the father of four developed an infection which became life-threatening, resulting in a tracheotomy and antibiotic treatment.

During his recovery, doctors discovered the 57 year-old’s blood sugar levels were high, leading to his diabetes diagnosis.

Despite the diagnosis, Richard admits he did not take the condition seriously for many years.

Everything changed in 2022 when he became severely ill with COVID-19 and developed sepsis.

He is sharing his story as part of Diabetes Awareness Week and said: “I advise anyone who is in a similar position to me to take it seriously. For many years, I ignored it and didn’t want to take it seriously, but if I had, I may not even have it any more.

“I am getting better day by day and I am doing well, and I am working hard to change my lifestyle and improve my health.”

Richard, who lives in Brownhills,  weighed 29 stones 11 pounds in October 2022. Since then, he has worked hard to improve his health and lose weight by making lifestyle changes.

He currently manages his diabetes with a daily slow-release insulin injection, taken each evening.

Richard joined Slimming World with his wife in August last year and has lost four stones and two pounds which he says has had a huge impact on both his physical health and overall wellbeing.

Richard has been supported by the Diabetes Team at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and has met with the team every four weeks since 2016.

He said: “Preena and the team at Walsall have been amazing. I can’t thank them enough for all the support they have given me. I would not be in this position today without them.”