This summer I have stepped up to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK, I signed up to the challenge in June to walk 1 million steps in 92 days from 1st July – 30th September, not realizing what I was letting myself in for, as walking would always tire me out, even just to do 2 miles or 5000 steps daily I would struggle.
I prepared myself for the challenge by going out for walks during June and making sure I was doing over 5000 steps daily, from day 1 I started with 11,000 steps and have been out walking 4 miles daily, with a few days that I have been walking 5 even 6 miles, the biggest day for steps was over 20,000, I have made sure though that daily if I had not hit 10,000 steps I would get done by the end of the day, my current step count is over 770,00 which means I am on track to reach 1 million steps by the end of the September.
The reason for taking on this challenge is because last year I found out I was Type 2 diabetic after having blood tests my HbA1c levels were high, thankfully after making changes to my diet and getting on top of my exercise I found out during the early stages of this challenge my HbA1c levels are back to pre-diabetic after a reading of 42 with the nurse saying I could reduce my Metformin medication from 4 a day to 2 a day, there are 3 different levels of diabetes readings, which are Normal 42 mmol/mol, Pre-diabetes 42 – 47 mmol/mol and Diabetes 48 mmol/mol or higher, for more information check out the diabetes UK website https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/hba1c.
With this in mind I still have some work to do but I am feeling much better and more energetic for it, I feel that I can help and inspire others weather it’s advising on cutting down on certain foods, snacking which I use to be terrible for, also keeping on top of my fluid intake which I drink 3 litres of water daily, also through CETMA there is a support group for public to attend if you have type 2 diabetes, https://cetma.org.uk/projects/type-2-diabetic-support/
With my walks I have found so many interning places locally to where I live in Pembrey and Burry Port which I will share in another article, I have made sure I do at least 1 hill walk a week which will help with strength and stamina, as this challenge took place mostly through school holidays I have had my children coming out with me on some of my walks, which will benefit them to keep fit and healthy too, we have even been on day trips over the holidays, visiting castles and seaside areas too.
I have set a target of £250 to raise which the money will got towards diabetes UK to help with research and provide help for those who are diabetic, currently my fundraiser is up to £57, you can show your support by making a donation through the link https://donate.justgiving.com/fundraising/emyrs-diabetic-challenge/donation-amount
