This summer I have stepped up to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK, by signing up to do a million steps from 1st July – 31st September.
Why am I doing this? Well last year I had blood tests and found out I was a type 2 diabetic. This was a big worry for me, as my Dad and a couple of my siblings suffer with the same condition.
As well as family members having I have work colleagues I know with the condition, which is why CETMA have set up support groups for members of public to attend. The aim is to raise awareness of the condition and hopefully help others from being diagnosed, or help them cope.
I just knew that something wasn’t right, as I was always fatigued and lethargic. This prompted me to contact my GP, and I was prescribed Metformin medication which I had to gradually increase every couple of weeks until I was on 4 a day.
I knew things had to change, and the first thing I did was change my diet along with my lifestyle. I gradually cut down on sugary snacks like chocolates and cakes, made changes with my meals. Luckily I have always drunk water over soft drinks, and always aimed to drink sugar free drinks but perhaps not as often as I should have. I was never a big drinker so I’ve limited my intake of alcohol even further.
I was someone who has been quite active over the years, but have fluctuated with my weight. This is more so over the last 20 years, when I lost 6 stone in eight years after taking up running as well as going to the gym. However, a change of job and lifestyle saw me gain the weight I lost. It didn’t help that in 2012 my mental health suffered and I just couldn’t face seeing anyone.
Over time though, I would get myself back out of the house and find myself getting my fitness back on track by going to the gym again. I was running and cycling and took part in many different running events such as Park Runs, half marathons, and even The London Marathon. Sadly, a muscular injury in 2018 saw me struggle once again and I had to cut down on the running. This is when my weight crept back up and I started to struggle.
Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes was another reason to start back working on my health and fitness. So, over the last year I have found myself getting out to walk almost everyday, which tends to average around 2 miles, which might not be a marathon, but a start.
I have been looking at signing myself up to do challenges to help get myself out, that’s why I signed myself up to do the million steps challenge.
The Million Steps Challenge is organised by Diabetes UK and is a three‑month challenge running from 1 July to 30 September every year. People choose a stepping goal that suits them. The idea is that people can take the steps anywhere. A local park, garden, living room, or even on the daily commute. Every step taken helps support people affected by diabetes.
My aim is to do a minimum of 10,000 steps a day, which is about three to four miles of walking. Hopefully, during the challenge I can get back running and do a steady mile or two by the end of it. This will all help me lose more weight and add to the 17kg I’ve lost over the year.
You can help me, help Diabetes UK and other sufferers by donating today: https://step.diabetes.org.uk/fundraising/emyrs-diabetic-challenge
If you are interested in signing up yourself, here’s the link to the website with more information https://step.diabetes.org.uk/event-info
