Take up challenge to support Diabetes UK

WE are inviting people in the Midlands to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK this summer and support our push to help as many people as possible know their risk of type two diabetes.

The One Million Step Challenge runs from July 1 to September 30 and is ideal for anyone looking for a way to get more active.

You take one million steps over the course of three months – around 10,000 steps per day – and get sponsored for every stride.

There’s also the half a million step challenge, ideal for anyone who may find taking 10,000 steps a day difficult, or the longer 1.7 million-step version for those who really want a challenge.

We’re making this call to kick off Type two Diabetes Prevention Week (May 23 to 29), an NHS England initiative supported by Diabetes UK.

Type two diabetes is serious and there are almost 2.4 million people in England at a high risk of developing the condition.

However, research has consistently shown that for some people, combined lifestyle interventions – including diet, physical activity, and sustained weight loss – can be effective in reducing their risk by about 50 per cent.

That’s why we’re encouraging people to understand their risk by completing our free Know Your Risk tool.

It only takes a few minutes, and anyone at moderate or high risk can directly sign up to their local Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

You can find the Know Your Risk tool, and information about the One Million Step Challenge, at the Diabetes UK website: diabetes.org.uk Peter Shorrick, Midlands and East regional head, Diabetes UK