I'm A Celebrity's Sue Cleaver lost three stone by…

I'm A Celebrity's Sue Cleaver lost three stone by following popular Mediterranean diet

I'm A Celebrity's Sue Cleaver shed serious pounds a few years ago by following one of the most popular diets out there.

The 59-year-old star, best known to Coronation Street fans for playing Eileen Grimshaw on the ITV soap since 2000, is said to have lost three stone on the Mediterranean diet. The actress began her weight loss journey in 2016 and dropped from a size 16 to a size 12 by following the popular method, The Express reports.

The star has type 2 diabetes, which I'm A Celeb viewers have worked out could be the reason she has been spotted wearing a patch on her arm in the jungle - with some saying it resembles a Dexcom patch, which tracks glucose levels to help manage the condition. The Mediterranean diet is recommended by Diabetes UK, who say there is evidence that the meal plan can promote weight loss and improve blood glucose management in those who have type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes sugar or glucose levels in the blood to become too high, the NHS explains. It can cause symptoms including peeing more than usual, feeling thirsty all the time, and feeling very tired, and can increase a person's risk of developing problems with their eyes, heart and nerves.

According to Diabetes UK, following a Mediterranean diet is linked to a reduced risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol. "A Mediterranean style diet can therefore provide a great option for people with diabetes, as it could help reduce the risk of certain diabetes complications," they advise.

The star ditched sugary foods and took up more exercise to shed the pounds (James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

A Mediterranean diet is favoured by many as it does not involve cutting things out altogether like many other diets that can prove difficult to follow. Instead, the diet recommends consuming things such as processed food and wine in moderation, while eating dishes rich in fruit, vegetables and fibre.

The diet is based largely around plant-based foods, including nuts and seeds, beans and pulses, wholegrains and olive oil. it also includes some dairy products such as milk and yogurts, and lean protein like chicken, eggs and fish in moderation, while red meat is only typically eaten in much smaller amounts.

Weight loss expert Dr Michael Mosley recommends the diet, which is inspired by the food staples eaten in countries around the Mediterranean sea such as Spain, Greece and Italy. It also focuses on community when eating - meals with family and friends, and enjoyable conversation.

Sue will be missing out on the popular diet during her time in the I'm A Celeb jungle, living on the camp's famous rice and beans dishes instead. Diabetes UK advises speaking to a GP or other health care professional before making significant changes to your diet, particularly if you treat your diabetes with insulin or other medications.

READ NEXT:

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here