A 68-year-old from Bristol claims to have cured his type 2 diabetes after going on a strict diet of dark chocolate and grapes.
Terry Kemp, according to Mail Online, developed type 2 diabetes, a lifestyle disease, after ballooning to 16 stone and he seems to have rid himself of the disorder after eating a bar of 85 per cent cocoa chocolate with a 500g of red grapes every day. This unusual diet helped him lose three stones over the course of two years, which eventually led to his diabetes disappearing, the report claimed.
"I don’t want to give people false hope but it seems to have worked for me," Kemp told The Sun. "It could be the chocolate, it could be the grapes, or it could be both for all I know. I’ve now started eating other things again."
Dark chocolate is known to contain less sugar compared to milk and white chocolate and fruits contain antioxidants that help relieve type 2 diabetes. Also, fruit such as grapes contain a lot of fiber that makes people feel fuller, thereby helping them reduce their overall calorie intake.
Almost 90 percent of the the 4.6 million people living with diabetes in the UK suffer from type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes UK recently released a new dietary guidelines for type 2 diabetes where they suggested that “one size of diet does not fit all” and noted that dietary advice needs to be tailored.
The charity said: “For the first time the guidelines – which were last updated in 2011 – outline how people with type 2 diabetes might be able to achieve remission. This guidance has been added after the first year results of the Diabetes UK-funded study called DiRECT, suggested that type 2 diabetes remission can occur with significant weight loss.
“The guidelines outline consistently strong evidence that suggests eating certain foods can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, can manage blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes. These suggested foods include vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, fish, nuts and pulses. Eating less red and processed meat, refined carbohydrates and sugar sweetened beverages, is also recommended.”
Chef Asma Khan calls for an end to macho kitchens and celebrates older women in professional cooking.
Advocates unionising hospitality and improving working conditions across the industry.
Explains founding the Second Daughters Foundation to support girls’ education in India.
Discusses the political role of food in promoting labour rights and dignity.
Redefining kitchens and leadership
In the latest episode of Shami’s Speakeasy, chef and campaigner Asma Khan joined host Shami Chakrabarti to discuss justice, feminism, race and the politics of food. Chakrabarti described Khan as “not so much a celebrity chef as a revolutionary chef.”
Khan highlighted her all-women team at Darjeeling Express, many of whom are grandmothers, calling it “a powerhouse.” Rejecting the macho culture of celebrity kitchens, she said the average age of women cooking in her kitchen is 50, demonstrating that older women are central to professional cooking.
Unionising hospitality and work-life challenges
Khan spoke candidly about labour conditions in hospitality and the impossibility of perfect work-life balance for shift workers and entrepreneurs. She called for restaurant workers to unionise, reflecting on exploitation during COVID and ongoing staffing pressures: “Without collective action, we can never get anywhere.”
She also shared her approach to parenting and entrepreneurship: “There is no word called ‘balance’ for some of us. The only way out is to forgive yourself and keep going.”
Second Daughters and food as a force for change
As a second daughter, Khan founded the Second Daughters Foundation, supporting girls’ education in India through school meals and practical assistance for those most likely to be kept at home.
Khan also described food as a political tool, using it to “shake the world gently” while emphasising labour, dignity and respect alongside ingredients.
Episode details
Shami’s Speakeasy: Asma Khan is available on all major podcast platforms from 15 October 2025. Additional resources and artwork inspired by the discussion will be shared in the Speakeasy Zine on the show’s website and to subscribers.
Asma Khan is the founder of Darjeeling Express, London, and an advocate for dignity in hospitality and women’s rights. Shami Chakrabarti is a human rights lawyer, legislator, and broadcaster who hosts Shami’s Speakeasy as a forum for honest conversations on values, ethics and social change.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.