Denise's story: The One Million Step Challenge has helped me prevent type 2 diabetes

When I was diagnosed with prediabetes my weight was the heaviest it had ever been. When the doctor told me, I was very shocked. The extra weight was one of the factors for my prediabetes and they also found I had a fatty liver. It was startling for me as I’d only gone for an appointment for something more general.

They explained to me what this diagnosis meant and I knew I wanted to do something about it to help myself in the long run. Shortly after my appointment, I signed up for a weight loss programme, and slowly the weight started to come off.

In spring 2021, I spotted an advert for the One Million Step Challenge. I thought 'oh my goodness, 11,000 steps a day!' I’d taken early retirement and I worked out I was only doing an average of 3,000 to 5,000 steps a day. It would really take me out of my comfort zone, knowing I’d have to do it consistently.

Determination

A week before the July start date, I mentioned it to my partner. I said, ‘do you think I could do this?’ He said no, pretty much! I don’t like being told I can’t do something. So, I signed up for the event on the last possible day at the end of June and didn’t tell him initially.

I thought even if I couldn't get sponsors, I would pay to receive the medal myself, I’d be happy with that. That’s how determined I was once I’d signed up. As time went on, I told my partner – he was surprised but he could see I was set on doing it. I then mentioned it to a few friends before sharing on my Facebook page and joining the Diabetes UK One Million Step Challenge group on Facebook.

I can’t believe it was only at the age of 56, back in 2021, that the penny dropped. Being healthy wasn’t only about what I ate, I needed to be active too.

First steps

I can remember when I first started walking, I found it really difficult to get to the magic figure of 10,000 steps a day. I wasn’t actually enjoying it. But I knew I had to do it, and I really wanted to achieve my targets. 

But then something happened – I don’t know when – I started enjoying it. I found the steps came easier and I got quicker.

I love capturing pictures of the local wildlife. The joy from just being out and about taking photos is just brilliant really. If that doesn’t make you feel better, I don’t know what does.

At my heaviest, I couldn’t walk very far without my back hurting. Now, I still huff and puff a lot when I’m going up the moors, and the wildlife may disappear, but I am quicker and can get a lot further.

I was happy and shocked at how generous my friends were in sponsoring me. It’s good to know that the money will help a lot of people with diabetes and be put to good use. I registered for the 2022 event as soon as registration opened, but I’ve never left the Diabetes UK Million Step Facebook group! 

"I love the fact that everyone is there for the same purpose, like a little community. I like the camaraderie. It’s good for sharing tips too."

Ever since my diagnosis back in 2019, I’ve been more mindful of my movement. It's strange but now, I find I’m constantly thinking about moving. Quite often if the weather is rubbish, I’ll walk in the house. My cat knows to keep out of my way! I’ll step to really good dance music around the house just to keep me going.

It’s been an interesting journey with some ups and downs – at the start of 2025 I found my weight had started creeping up again. I wasn’t getting in quite as many steps as I’d liked to and was being a little more flippant about what I ate. When I went for my annual blood test later that same year – around Christmas time – I found out I was borderline with developing type 2 diabetes again.

When January came round, I signed myself right back up to another weight loss programme. 

"Over the last few months, I’ve had lots of progress with my weight loss – I’ve lost around six stone since 2019 and am working hard towards my overall goal of eight stone. I have found that getting back into walking has helped massively again."

Sometimes it can be hard to keep motivated, but I am now a grandma which I love – the children absolutely keep me on my toes! 

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Reach out for support

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