Raising Money for Diabetes UK

I’m walking 62 miles in October

How can you help me?

This October I’m walking 62 miles for Diabetes UK. I love this time of year, so I will be enjoying every step I take.

This is deeply personal—my wonderful mum was diagnosed with diabetes in her mid-forties, and now in her 80s she lives with it every single day. Seeing how she navigates the highs and lows of this condition has inspired me to take on this challenge. 

Yet this walk is for so much more than just my family. Here’s why your support would mean so much. 

Why diabetes matters – The risk

It’s quoted by Diabetes UK that there are currently 5.8 million people in the UK living with Diabetes – an all-time high.

4.6 million people in the UK have a diagnosis of diabetes — a new record, according to Diabetes UK. 

Added to that, there are 1.3 million people who are estimated to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes – Diabetes UK. 

Add to this 6.3 million, those with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (pre-diabetes), and we have 1 in 5 adults in the UK who have diabetes or prediabetes. 

Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of all diagnoses; type 1 approximately 8%, with the remainder being rarer types. 

Diabetes does not care about age, background, or fitness levels. It can affect virtually anyone, and its complications can be severe: 

It is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and more. 

In England, around 1 in 10 cardiovascular deaths are linked to diabetes. 

The cost to the NHS is enormous, and the effect on families and individuals is more than medical — it extends to every aspect of life. 

Because so many individuals are undiagnosed or under-supported, early diagnosis, education, support, and research are essential. 

What Diabetes UK does – and what your donation can provide

This is where a donation can help:

Research & innovation: Diabetes UK funds groundbreaking research into complications, treatments, and prevention.

Reducing sight loss: Due to donations, Diabetes UK was instrumental in the creation of better screening for damage to the eyes, leading to a national programme to preserve the sight of individuals with diabetes. 

Preventing heart attacks and strokes: The charity supported trials of cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), now used everywhere in the world to reduce cardiovascular risk for people with diabetes. 

Education and awareness: They campaign to allow individuals to be aware of symptoms, risk factors, get earlier diagnoses, and take charge of their health. 

Advocacy and support: The charity works to make sure standards of care get better, end access to services is fair, and people with diabetes possess the resources and voice they require. 

Your donation will mean so much, it’s part of a collective effort to allow people to live longer, healthier, better lives with diabetes. 

As a menopause coach I know it can be a difficult period, and this phase of a women’s life can increase the risk that can develop type 2 diabetes. Here is why:

Hormonal changes – As progesterone and estrogen levels decrease and become unstable, the body becomes more insulin-resistant (the hormone that regulates blood sugar).

Weight gain & fat redistribution – It is typical for women in perimenopause to gain weight around the midsection, and it is linked to greater insulin resistance.

Sleep disturbance – Hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia can disrupt sleep, and poor sleep worsens blood sugar regulation.

Metabolism changes – Menopause and aging both lead to a loss of muscle mass and metabolic rate, and it becomes easier for blood sugar to increase.

Blood pressure and cholesterol – Perimenopausal changes can result in diabetes.

Thus, peri-menopause will not cause diabetes, but the hormonal, metabolic, and lifestyle changes associated with it can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes, especially if you already have risk factors, i.e., family history, weight gain, high blood pressure or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Free Resources – PCOS

How your donation helps me walk 🥾

Every step I take in October will be powered by your kindness and belief in this cause. 

Regardless of the donation amount, it counts — it helps fund research, services, education, and hope. 

I truly appreciate that not everyone is able to give, so if you can’t donate at this time, it’s just as powerful to share this post or spread awareness.  You will be able to see my progress on my social media platforms – LinedIn Facebook Instagram

Donate if you can at JustGiving – Diabetes UK – 62 Miles in October , it doesn’t matter how small the donation is, it is all going to help people suffering with Diabetes and crucial research.