The Indian Express - World Diabetes Day Feature

World Diabetes Day: A royal scion, an actor and a three-year-old among 12 diabetics to feature in inspirational charity calendar

By: Anuradha Mascarenhas

The aim is not only to create awareness about the various types of diabetes but also to remind people that having diabetes is not the end of the world- life can be normal, positive and fun.

“No child diagnosed with Type1 diabetes (T1D) should ever feel that his/her life is over,” says Padmaja Kumari Parmar, daughter of the House of Mewar, the former royal house of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India.

Padmaja was just five when she was diagnosed with T1D and adds that living with this disorder is no big deal. “I have done it for 38 years and there is no reason why any child should be anxious about T1D,” the founder of Friends of Mewar, a nonprofit based in Boston, United States, told The Indian Express.

This ‘modern-day princess’ (along with 11 others with T1D and other types of diabetes) features on a unique charity calendar that will have a soft launch on World Diabetes Day (Nov 14). The aim is not only to create awareness about the various types of diabetes but also to remind people that having diabetes is not the end of the world- life can be normal, positive and fun!

“I choose to thrive with my Type 1 diabetes,” says 43-year-old Padmaja whose interests span philanthropy, hospitality, and health, including inspiring others through her experience with Type 1 Diabetes to create a positive social impact. She strongly believes that those diagnosed with T1D need not worry. “There is a lot of negative noise. What is required is accurate information and the need to stay positive,” she adds.

T1D is a chronic condition in which pancreas do not produce enough insulin. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels, insulin therapy, diet and exercise are all part of controlling and treating T1D. So when 36-year-old model and actor Aishwarya Sakhuja was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes five years ago, she said she decided “to stop running around like a headless chicken” and slide into a victim mode that can mess one totally. “I did all of that but soon fought all my fears and misconceptions,” Aishwarya of the popular Saas Bina Sasural fame told The Indian Express.

This year, the theme of World Diabetes Day highlights the need for equitable access to essential care including raising awareness of ways people with diabetes can minimise their risk of complications. Aishwarya points out that being detected with T1D for her was a turnaround for the better. “I eat clean, work out, and ensure that I take my insulin shots when I am travelling the world. There is no reason to not live a full and happy life,” she says.

According to Nupur Lalvani, founder of Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation (BCDF) which is launching the 5th edition of its charity calendar, who also features as one of the 12 inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds living with different types of diabetes, “this calendar is more than a collection of dates; it’s a powerful statement of hope and resilience. It aims at raising diabetes awareness and inject positivity into a narrative often clouded by fear and misconceptions,” says 36-year-old Lalvani who was detected with T1D at the age of 8.

“In a country that ranks high in diabetes prevalence, this calendar is a testament to the fact that with proper management, diabetes doesn’t have to hinder a successful life or career. Access to insulin and/or medication is a major factor when living with diabetes,” says Nupur, whose patient-led support group has 30 chapters across the country.

Snehal Nandagwli, IT professional and type 1 diabetic who also features on the calendar and heads the Mumbai chapter of BCDF, says that awareness is crucial for timely diagnosis and can reduce diabetes-related fatalities.

Rohan Arora, designer and research professional who has T1D and heads the Delhi chapter of BCDF, points out that a focus on mental health and emotional needs, alongside diabetes awareness and accurate information is the key to positively impacting lives of those with diabetes.

Meanwhile, among others who feature on this charity calendar, are actor and wellness entrepreneur Megha Gupta, and popular radio jockey and emcee RJ Megha, eye surgeon Prachi Grover, student Sanskruti Kolte, entrepreneur Anant Giri Goswami, three year old Ira Dadich and Prem Kumar Arora.