On the 30th of September I Emyr Evans finally completed my 1 million step challenge, I took on a charge which was very personal to myself to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK.
In 2025 I was diagnosed with having type 2 diabetes, with my HbA1c levels being very high, it took me a while to change habits, getting myself back active again wether walking or cycling.
What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a serious condition where your blood glucose level is too high. It can happen when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the insulin it produces isn’t effective. For more information check out Diabetes UK website https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetesÂ
Regarding diet I had to change my snacking habits, again this was all over the place due to myself still enjoying a sweet treat with a cake or even the odd bar of chocolate.
In May 2026 I knew it was time to sort my habits out after a couple of holidays where I was eating all sorts, I seen a challenge pop up to take 1 million steps for diabetes UK whilst fundraising the same time.
After working out I would need to be doing over 10,000 steps daily as the the days it would take in was 92 days in total, I prepared myself by setting out to do a minimum 5,000 steps daily no less.
July 1st came around and I instantly set out on my first walk, getting in over 11,722, around 4 miles, usually after a long walk I would find myself tired or aching with muscle pain, but thankfully I felt ok, I was able to venture out and do the same the following day. As days progressed I found myself having more energy and I would personally challenge myself to either up the distance or get in some hill walks which would become beneficial, especially for strength and stamina.
In May I was weighing in at over 150kg (23 stone 9lb) and clothes starting to get to tight on me, which is another reason I was thankful of coming across this challenge, so reducing what I ate and being in control of my calorie intake, as well as constantly walking daily I found the weight slowly coming off, clothes starting to fit more comfortable once again, I now find myself down at 126kg (19 stone 11lb) meaning I have lost just over 24kg (3 stone 11lb) also now being at pre diabetic levels with a HbA1c reading at 42, also having the nurse tell me I can reduce the medication I was taking.
Going forward I will keep at this active level, although since the challenge I have reduced what I am walking just to get some recovery, but making sure I get out for a daily walk of about 2 miles, I will however be on the lookout for the next challenge to take part in, as someone who was never really active growing up until 2006 when I got myself in to running, I took on half marathons, competed in the London marathon have also done an ultra marathon along with 2 Duathlons, sadly injuries knocked me back and have not run for some time.
If my article inspires at least 1 person to change their lifestyle habits I would be pleased and would be happy to sit down and chat with anyone to offer my guidance, please do get in touch.
You can still make a donation via this link https://step.diabetes.org.uk/fundraising/emyrs-diabetic-challenge
