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Up against the "silent killer"

Madhur Tankha

TOGETHER FOR A CAUSE: International diabetes spokesperson former Miss America Nicole Johnson with Delhi Diabetes Research Centre chairman Dr. Ashok Jhingan (centre) and veejay Gaurav Kapoor during the announcement of new initiatives to combat Type 1 Diabetes in New Delhi on Thursday. Photo: Anu Pushkarna

NEW DELHI: A unique workshop on "Social stigma associated with diabetes" was held here on Thursday in which celebrities, adults and children suffering from Type I diabetes participated. Organised by the Delhi Diabetes Research Centre, the highlight of the workshop was "Hollywood meets Bollywood", in which former Miss America Nicole Johnson and Veejay Gaurav Kapoor, who both suffer from Type I diabetes, shared their experiences and challenges with the audience.

The two celebrities also gave tips on how to lead a balanced life and not get bogged down by the disease.

Describing diabetes as a silent killer, Gaurav said it did not however prevent him from pursuing his goal. "I was only 22 years old when I was diagnosed with diabetes. I was told that I would not be able to party hard or drink. When the doctors told me about the implications of diabetes, I realised the gravity of the situation. My whole outlook towards life has undergone a sea change since. Now my mission is to convey to people that life is difficult but not impossible," said Gaurav, who jogs daily, practises yoga, takes care of his diet and is a complete teetotaller.

Urging diabetic patients to be honest about their condition, Gaurav said: "If you acknowledge that you are a diabetic and become mentally strong to fight the condition, then life is a cakewalk. Some time ago I lost the mental battle to fight diabetes. I became lazy and could not climb a flight of stairs. Thankfully, I was able to overcome the problem."

Nicole, who is an international spokesperson for diabetes, said the deadly disease does not dictate her lifestyle. "Initially I felt thirsty, was hungry most of the time, lost a lot of weight and also vomited. Health experts gave me vitamins but that did not solve my problem. After I was diagnosed with diabetes, I have been taking care of myself, testing my blood sugar levels, eating well, exercising and talking about it. If you do all these things, then you can fulfil all your dreams. Despite the disease, I won the Miss America pageant and gave birth to a healthy girl last year."

Delhi Diabetes Research Centre chairman Ashok Jhingan said that with changing sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits and greater stress at work, there has been an increasing prevalence of Type I diabetes among younger people due to genetic and environmental factors.

As part of DDRC's initiative, a new website (www.diabeticmatrimony.com) was launched on the occasion. The website provides an innovative way to find prospective brides and grooms for those suffering from diabetes.

Later, Nicole presented a certificate of "Youth Ambassador of Diabetes in India" to Gaurav.

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