Mumbai: Kiara Powar, an 18-year-old content creator, launches her impactful campaign titled #InsulinSeMatDaro, aligning with National Diabetes Month (1-30 November 2024) and World Diabetes Day (November 14, 2024). With a focus on the theme diabetes and well-being, as set by the International Diabetes Federation, the campaign takes a comprehensive look at living with diabetes, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being.
Throughout November, Kiara will host conversations with prominent figures such as The Indian Academy of Diabetes, president, Shashank Joshi and a global integrative lifestyle expert, Luke Coutinho. These discussions will explore the far-reaching impacts of diabetes and provide essential insights for patients and caregivers. A crucial aspect of the #InsulinSeMatDaro campaign is debunking myths about insulin usage and advocating for its role in diabetes care. Kiara emphasises equitable access to diabetes medication and plans a crowdfunding initiative to provide subsidised medication to those in need.
Joshi highlighted the campaign’s relevance, stating, “When it comes to Type 2 diabetes, a contemporary, facts-based and lifestyle-oriented approach can not only make management simpler, but also contributes to overall physical and mental wellbeing. The healthcare ecosystem is making significant strides to better understand the causative factors and offer timely, supportive solutions to make diabetes care easier and more effective. Type 1 diabetics need insulin throughout their lifetime, as well as lifestyle modulation. There’s where Kiara’s campaign is a timely push to urge people to take control of their own health whether or not they have been diagnosed with diabetes and to make the necessary lifestyle changes that will contribute to an enhanced quality of life.”
Coutinho shared his support: “I am so proud of Kiara for dedicating her platform and voice to spread awareness about diabetes, the burden of which is being felt by India and even the world, at large. By diving deep into the causative factors, as well as the role of a holistic, lifestyle-based approach to diabetes care, this campaign can be transformative for so many millions of diabetics and pre-diabetics. Information is empowerment, and her campaign and relentless efforts are certain to empower and transform lives.”
Reflecting on her personal journey, Powar stated, “Living with diabetes since the age of 2, I have witnessed first-hand the numerous challenges starting with accurate diagnosis, to a supportive social ecosystem, to receiving the necessary information to safeguard my physical and mental wellbeing. Although I was fortunate to have a very supportive family, I recognise that many others may not have the access or resources that I did. This is my endeavour to pay it forward and to help make the journey a bit easier and less fearful for diabetics.”
The #InsulinSeMatDaro campaign will be available on Powar’s Instagram and YouTube platforms.
