Walk one million steps for diabetes prevention this summer

Diabetes UK are challenging the people of Bath to increase their daily exercise in small ways

By Alastair Salmon

As part of Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week 2022, Diabetes UK has launched this year’s One Million Step Challenge, which encourages people to walk around ten thousand steps a day for three months.

The goal is to raise awareness of the risk factors that can contribute to developing type 2 diabetes and offer support to anyone concerned about the risks.

Phaedra Perry is the Regional Head for the Southwest and South Central at Diabetes UK; she spoke to Radio Bath about the importance of the initiative:

“We know things as simple as increasing how many steps you take every day and how active you are, are really important steps towards reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

It is recommended that participants get sponsored for the number of steps they complete with proceeds put towards diabetes prevention.

2.4 million people in the UK are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While some risk factors such as age and ethnicity cannot be controlled, steps such as a healthier diet and increasing physical activity are critical changes that research shows can reduce your risk.

“We hope that we’re giving people a way to get more active through this challenge and helping to give them some practical ways of reducing their risk.”

The One Million Step Challenge is open to everyone, and if ten thousand steps a day seems too daunting a prospect, there is a half million step challenge. Phaedra says the aim is ultimately to get everyone moving more on a daily basis.

You can learn more about the challenge here, and if you’re concerned about how at risk you are of developing Type 2 diabetes, a 5-minute risk assessment is available here.