Mark 'The Beast' Labbett diagnosed with diabetes after routine check up

The Chase star Mark 'The Beast' Labbett has told how he was diagnosed with diabetes after a nurse spotted an issue with his legs.

The TV star was diagnosed with the illness four years ago.

He told Express.co.uk he had never had a diabetic episode but that his illness was picked up during a routine appointment.

Read more: Mark Labbett says he is now a ‘skinny beast’

“I've got skin that doesn't heal properly in my lower legs,” explained the star. "A nurse looked at me and she asked, 'Are you sure you are not diabetic?'

"They took a test and she said, 'Yes, you're diabetic’.”

The quiz champion has previously revealed he weighed 29 stone at his heaviest.

However, he has been losing weight for some time and slimmed down a lot over lockdown thanks to a new fitness routine.

In March this year Labbett shared that his weight was at the lowest it had been for 25 years after he dropped 10 stone.

The 55-year-old told The Sun he had reached 19 stone and could buy clothes off the rack rather than ordering special garments.

“I’m now down to a 44-inch waist, my chest is 54 inches, while my neck measurements are down to 19 inches, which is fantastic for me and the top end of a normal man’s range," he said.

“My knees really feel the difference. I will never be athletic again but I just move so much better for not carrying that extra weight.”

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Labbett has been on The Chase since 2009 and has also appeared on both the American and Australian versions of the popular programme.

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