Kiara Powar, an 18-year-old content creator, has launched a new awareness campaign titled #InsulinSeMatDaro, aimed at addressing the challenges of living with diabetes, particularly around the use of insulin and access to affordable medication. The campaign is timed to coincide with National Diabetes Month (1st November - 30th November 2024) and World Diabetes Day (14th November 2024), aligning with the theme Diabetes and Well-being as set by the International Diabetes Federation.
The campaign, supported by leading healthcare experts Padma Shri Dr Shashank Joshi, President of The Indian Academy of Diabetes, and Luke Coutinho, a renowned integrative lifestyle expert, focuses on the physical, emotional, and social challenges faced by people living with diabetes. It also highlights the critical role of insulin in managing the condition, dispels common misconceptions about its use, and advocates for more equitable access to diabetes care.
During National Diabetes Month, Kiara will share insights from in-depth discussions with Dr Joshi and Luke Coutinho. The conversations will address diabetes management, the importance of lifestyle changes, and the multifaceted impact of the disease on individuals and families. Through this, Kiara hopes to provide useful information to those living with diabetes, as well as to caregivers and the broader public.
“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,” shared Dr Joshi.
“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,” said Coutinho.
“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,” Kiara concluded.
Kiara is also working on making diabetes treatment more accessible. As part of her efforts, she has launched a crowdfunding initiative aimed at providing subsidised medication to those who cannot afford it. "The cost of diabetes care can be prohibitive for many, so I want to do my part to ensure that medication is accessible to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background," she explained.
The #InsulinSeMatDaro campaign will be featured across Kiara Powar’s Instagram and YouTube platforms, engaging a wide audience and raising awareness about the challenges of diabetes management and the importance of timely, affordable treatment.
