Terry’s second chance at life

Yarra’s Edge resident Terry Crews has a new lease on life after beating diabetes.

Terry was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a decade ago, and had grown steadily sicker, to the point where he was bed-ridden.

Different medications, while effective initially, led to debilitating side-effects and Terry began searching for an alternative.

His search led to a relatively new device called EndoBarrier, which involves non-surgical placement and removal after 12 months and creates a physical barrier between the intestinal wall and food.

For Mr Crews, the procedure resulted in almost instantaneous changes and he is now considered to be in remission from diabetes.

“Over the 12 month period, I lost 31 kilograms, put 11 kilograms of muscle back on and my blood sugars have gone to five, which is stable,” Terry said.

And far from being bed-ridden, Terry is now back to living an active life, taking part in “Walk to Work Day” for World Diabetes Day on November 14.

“I’m able to live a full, active life and I’m not going to slip into a weight-gaining sedentary process.”

“I exercise in the gym virtually everyday and I play golf. I’m probably a better golfer now than when I got diabetes.”

For Terry, the procedure and his recovery have been a second chance at life.

“I’d reached the end of my tether and having this procedure gave me a second chance in life and that second chance is my wakeup call to say ‘hey buddy, don’t go there again’.”