EmpoowerT1D Newsletter - July Edition
EmpoowerT1D Newsletter - July Edition
                  Dr. Banshi Saboo                                       “I'm deeply moved by the tireless eforts of this Type 1
                  Mentor, Tie Up                                         Diabetes community in spreading awareness and educating
                                                                         people across India. By uniting advocates, educators,
                                                                         dieticians, nurses, and doctors, they're breaking down
Empower T1D is a unique platform where Healthcare                        barriers and empowering individuals to thrive. Their
Professionals, Educators, Nutritionists & T1D Advocates                  dedication to creating a supportive ecosystem is truly              Dr. Subhajyoti Ghosh
and champions come together and share their best                         inspiring, and I'm grateful to be part of this journey towards a
practices for optimum care of Type 1 Diabetes. Always                    more aware and inclusive India.”
remember that science is the backbone of all education. I                                                                                    The Plight of Type 1 Diabetes in Low
encourage you all to exchange and share research work in
the field of Type 1 Diabetes. as well as share the learnings                                                                                  Socio-Economic Settings
with each other as well as your community. Lets work on
data on how these learnings can improve the outcomes of                 Empower T1 Community                                                 Rocky, a 19-year-old boy with T1D, exemplifies the devastating
people living with Diabetes. India should lead by example
and I wish you all the best for the future.                               by Empower T1D                                                     consequences of inadequate care. Lack of follow-up led to
                                                                                                                                             chronic kidney disease and retinopathy.
D        REAM Trust stands as a symbol of hope and resilience for children with
         Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), particularly girls from underprivileged
         backgrounds. Since its founding in 1995 by the late Dr. Sharad Pendsey
and Mrs. Swati Pendsey, the trust has transformed countless lives by providing
                                                                                                                  With the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Canada, a study examined how strategic glucose
                                                                                                                  monitoring improves metabolic control in Indian children with T1D.
                                                                                                                       I-DREAM Study
essential diabetic care, education, and a vision for a better future. This newsletter
delves into the journey, activities, impact, and recognitions of this noble
organization that truly believes: "No child in this world should die due to want of                               In collaboration with the University of Minnesota, USA, this study looked at caregiver challenges in
insulin.”                                                                                                         resource-limited settings in India.
                                                                                        Dr. Sanket Pendsey
The Reality of T1D in India                                                                                            Thermostability of Insulin
India has one of the highest prevalences of Type 1 Diabetes, with many affected children hailing from low
socio-economic backgrounds. Managing diabetes in these circumstances is daunting. Basic yearly                    This pioneering study, in partnership with Life for a Child, University of Florida, and University of
treatment costs between 36,000 - 50,000, excluding emergencies, hospitalizations, or travel. For                  Sweden, validated the stability of insulin stored in clay pots—demonstrating DREAM Trust’s
families earning only 1,14,000 to 3,00,000 annually, continuous insulin therapy remains out of reach,             commitment to practical innovation.
especially for girls. This cruel combination of poverty, gender bias, and a chronic condition has devastating
Sudha
Just eight when diagnosed, her father asked during counseling, "What would happen if she stopped
                                                                                                                Recognitions and Awards
insulin?" On being told she would die, he silently nodded. A month later, Sudha died - her father had
deliberately withheld insulin due to poverty.                                                                   Brick at Banting House, Canada
                                                                                                                 A brick honoring Dr. Sharad Pendsey lies at the birthplace of insulin—a tribute to his unrelenting service
These heart-wrenching incidents revealed the stark truth: it wasn't ignorance, but helplessness that led
to such deaths. Kalpana and Sudha became the catalysts for the creation of DREAM Trust - an                      to T1D children.
initiative to ensure no child dies from treatable diabetes.
                                                                                                                Thomas Fuschberger Diabetes Charity Award (Berlin, 2013)
Mission and Vision                                                                                               Awarded €5000 by German superstar Fuschberger’s foundation in memory of his son.
      The core mission of DREAM Trust is:
                                                                                                                Global Nagpur Award (2017)
      To ensure uninterrupted insulin supply to T1D children, especially girls.
                                                                                                                 Presented under the Individual Professional category for excellence in healthcare philanthropy.
      To prevent complications and promote normal growth.
      To educate, empower, and encourage schooling and self-reliance.                                           DMDSC Type 1 Diabetes Ambassador Award (2021)
      To support marriages and vocational independence, promoting dignity.                                       Recognized at a national event organized by Dr. V. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre, Chennai.
      The trust’s focus extends to young adults up to 25 years of age, ensuring sustained care and
      transition into independent living.                                                                       SWEET Award (2021)
Multifaceted Support System                                                                                      DREAM Trust won the first prize at the International Conference on Innovations by NGOs in Diabetes
                                                                                                                 Care, hosted by AIIDR and MHF.
      Insulin Cool Pouch: For maintaining insulin temperature during travel.                                     His son, Dr. Sanket Pendsey, now leads the medical team with the same compassion and commitment,
                                                                                                                 supported by a network of social workers, educators, donors, and international collaborators.
      Earthen Clay Pot & Refrigerators: Distributed to children without refrigeration at home.
                                                                                                                 DREAM Trust aims to:
       Financial Aid and Education                                                                                 *   Expand outreach programs to rural and tribal belts.
                                                                                                                   *   Scale up educational scholarships and business startup grants.
      Educational Scholarships: 2,000 to 20,000 per year to avoid dropouts, especially for girls. Many             *   Promote awareness on T1D in India through advocacy and partnerships.
      have become nurses, teachers, doctors, and even entrepreneurs like Dhiraj - now a successful                 *   Innovate low-cost technologies and infrastructure to ensure care in the most remote areas.
      businessman and donor to the Trust.
      Small Business Support: Grants of 10,000 – 15,000 for young adults to start businesses like               Final Thoughts: A Dream With Purpose
      tailoring or grocery shops.
                                                                                                                 At its core, DREAM Trust believes that every child with Type 1 Diabetes has the potential to lead a
      Travel Allowance: Funds for transport ( 500 per visit) to ensure children can travel for insulin           normal, fulfilling life—if given the right support at the right time. The organization’s unique model of
      collection.                                                                                                blending medical support with educational, emotional, and financial empowerment offers a holistic
                                                                                                                 approach to chronic disease care. It stands as a global model for compassionate, community-driven
       Weekly Clinics & Counseling                                                                               health intervention.
  Held every Wednesday and Thursday, the clinic caters to 35 - 40 children each day with a                       As the world faces widening health disparities, DREAM Trust is proof that even in resource-constrained
  dedicated team:                                                                                                settings, hope, innovation, and empathy can drive lasting change.
      2 dieticians/educators                      1 diabetes nurse
      1 medical social worker                     1 doctor (Dr. Sanket Pendsey)                                  “No child in this world should die due to want of insulin.”
  These sessions include:
      Blood glucose monitoring reviews             Dietary counseling
      Insulin dose adjustments                     Emotional and mental well-being checks
      Group education activities
   Children travel up to 500 km from regions like Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
Bicycle Project
  To combat school dropouts due to distance, DREAM Trust has distributed over 800 bicycles to T1D
  children, helping them continue their education with dignity and convenience.
Insulin is a Human Right                                                                                                                           President, Sweet Souls Society for Type 1 Diabetes
                                                                                                                                                   South Zone Coordinator, Type 1 Diabetes Foundation of India
                                                                                                                                                   ImPatient Lead, Breakthrough T1D
                           Author                                                                                                                  Marathon Runner
                           Dr. ABHISEKH RAHA
                           Divisional Medical Ofcer
                           Indian Railway Health Services
                           Lumding                                                                                                                                    Riddhi Modi
                                                                                                                                                        Global Diabetes Advocate
   T1 DATA                                                                                                                                          Community Lead, Empower T1D
 A
         ccording to the latest T1D Index and IDF Atlas 2024, 9.15 million people globally live with Type
         1 Diabetes (T1D), including 1.81 million under 20. India accounts for 941,000 cases, with
         301,000 under 20. The median age of a person with T1D is 36 years. Tragically, 174,000
 premature deaths are expected in 2025, with many due to late or missed diagnoses. Post-COVID,                   Interview by Riddhi Modi
 T1D incidence has surged, possibly due to viral triggers. Looking ahead to 2040, T1D cases may
 reach 14 million. Women with T1D face significantly higher health risks compared to men. Additionally,
 metabolic syndrome affects 30% of adolescents, over 50% are overweight or obese, and adult-onset                 Q.1 : What inspired you to become an advocate?
 T1D is often misdiagnosed, highlighting ongoing challenges in detection and management.
                                                                                                                  Ans: Empathy is deep rooted in me since childhood and when I received the same care and concern
                                                                                                                         from different people in my own life, I wanted to give back, I realised the right knowledge, time
   ADJUNCT THERAPY IN T1D :-                                                                                             and energy are best way to contribute to the community. I developed this passion, got inspired
                                                                                                                         from others working towards the same cause and now I have been doing this for past 6 plus
    Adjunct therapy might be useful in patients with T1D.                                                                years.
    Studies show glycemic control in T1D remains suboptimal, increasing the risk of death (SAGE study).
    SGLT2 inhibitors (per TANDEM, DEPICT, and EASE studies) help lower HbA1c, body weight, and insulin
    needs, especially in patients with BMI >27 kg/m², while reducing DKA risk.                                    Q.2 : What are the challenges you have faced in your T1D management in
    Combining SGLT2i with Glucagon Receptor Antagonist (Volagidemab) may further lower DKA risk.                        your early days?
    Liraglutide increases hypoglycemia and ketosis risk at higher doses.                                          Ans: When I got diagnosed, I didn’t know much about T1D and its seriousness and impact, but when I
    Semaglutide improves BMI, HbA1c, carbohydrate intake, and insulin dose in T1D patients using AID                     learnt I will have to take insulin for life, I started seeking support from sources around. It was also
                                                                                                                         a huge financial challenge for me. I didn’t know about glucometers and the importance of using
    GLP 1 RA are approved for use in children with obesity over age 12 years.
                                                                                                                         them. I thought I will not be able to do the my best for my career as I didn’t have enough
                                                                                                                         education about managing BG levels and the financial burden was adding to the dual condition
   T1D & OBESITY:-                                                                                                       of T1D and visual impairment. Living life was a chore, not as bad as the thought of attempting
                                                                                                                         suicide, but there was no enthusiasm to enjoy life and live fully.
    T1D is historically a thin person's disease.
    Studies (FINNDIANE, Swedish, DPV Registries) show rising BMI in adults with T1D, increasing
    cardiovascular and mortality risks.
                                                                                                                  Q.3 : How did you manage T1D with visual impairment?
    SOPHIA study (Belgium, Kuwait, Mexico) notes lower obesity rates in T1D but no BMI rise despite better
    glucose control with AHCL.                                                                                    Ans: Due to visual impairment, I was not able to see the numbers on the screen after pricking my
                                                                                                                         finger, I had to keep looking for somebody to help me. In the middle of the night, I would seek
    The accelerator hypothesis links obesity, chronic inflammation, and gut dysbiosis to T1D development.
                                                                                                                         support from security staff. This went on till I found a voice enabled glucometer. Even for using
    Israel Registry: High BMI in adolescents raises T1D risk.                                                            insulin I wouldn’t know how many units are left until it was too late to find out and there was no
    Double Diabetes: T1D with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) features.                                                            insulin.
    IL-17 may connect obesity and T1D pathogenesis.
    Obesity independently raises T1D autoimmunity risk.
    Intensive insulin therapy (DCCT trial) can lead to weight gain.                                               Q.4 : Share your proudest moment in your advocacy journey?
    LADA: Latent autoimmune diabetes with T2D traits.                                                             Ans: Type 1 Diabetes Hero Award (2021) from Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre, Madras
    Insulin resistance increases cardiovascular and overall mortality in T1D.                                             Diabetes Research Foundation was the first award in my life. It felt very special that they
                                                                                                                          recognised my efforts and it brought me great joy. Few more foundations in India appreciated
    Childhood obesity has doubled in 15 years; by 2035, 1 in 2 adults may be obese (World Obesity Atlas 2024).            my contribution and I received awards. Last year, lot of my well wishers helped me to submit my
                                                                                                                          entry towards the ISPAD Hero Award. The support received from clinicians and community was
    T1D INDEX                                                                                                             an integral part of this effort. I would not have been able to achieve this without the support of
                                                                                                                          Anju m’am, Leena m’am, Sheryl, Prashanth, Divya, Riddhi, Harsh and many more who have
   T1D Index (2022) tracks the human, public health, and economic burden of Type 1 Diabetes                               always been by my side. When I finally received the award, my joy knew no bounds.
   globally and nationally.
   The William J Clinton Foundation (WJCF) in India supports government efforts to improve                                * Type 1 Diabetes Hero Award (2021) – Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre, Madras
   healthcare access, early detection, education, and patient empowerment.                                                  Diabetes Research Foundation
                                                                                                                          * Certificate of Appreciation (2022) – Yog Dhyan Foundation, India
   India has the highest number of T1D cases (0-19 years) in the Southeast Asian region, which ranks                      * Hero of the Year Award (2022) – Udaan, India
   second globally (IDF data).                                                                                            * Special Recognition Award (2024) – Hyderabad Runners Society for his achievements as a
                                                                                                                            runner living with T1D and visual impairment, alongside spreading awareness and
   Advanced care technology is being used in < 10% of T1D as per Breakthrough T1D global data.
                                                                                                                            encouraging others with T1D
   T1D index data - Indians lose 45 healthy years of life .                                                               * ISPAD Hero Award (2024)
   Increasing access to technology will increase survival of patients with T1D.
    HETEROGENECITY & PREVENTION OF T1D                                                                            Q.5 : What would be your advice to young upcoming advocates ?
                                                                                                                  Ans: Learning from others experiences , building confidence by managing your own Diabetes well at
    LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) is now included under Type 1 Diabetes (ADA 2025).                        first, then setting an example to others, how to represent T1D in public forums, government
    Onset often peaks at 10-14 years but remains underreported.                                                          institutions can be built after experience. When you realise the pain of families how much they
    Beta cell destruction progresses faster in children, slower in adults; IFN-alpha autoimmunity may                    struggle for affordability and access to good care, you will also realise no matter which
    offer some protection.                                                                                                background people come from, there will be different sets of challenges to manage Diabetes.
                                                                                                                         When you learn that, you will realise the purpose of advocacy. As a certified diabetes educator, it
    C-peptide and GADA levels help predict insulin dependency in adult-onset autoimmune diabetes.
                                                                                                                         gives me immense joy to empower people to become educators so you can help more and more
    High HbA1c and hyperglycemia are linked to reduced cognitive function, memory issues, brain                          people to not only survive but thrive. Balancing professional life with advocacy may be
    atrophy (especially in the thalamus), and higher dementia risk in T1D.                                               challenging at first, but with experience and time, you will learn to do that.
    Early-onset T1D carries higher cardiovascular risk
    Family screening for autoimmune T1D is advised for relatives of T1D patients.
                                                                                                                  Q.6 : How did you begin your running journey?
    Frequent glucose monitoring is crucial in children with multiple antibodies to predict and delay
    Stage 3 T1D.                                                                                                  Ans: My community helped me to dream that I can also run, I did not know that people with visual
                                                                                                                         impairment can also run. When we started Tamil Nadu Type 1 Foundation’s collaboration with
    Teplizumab can delay Stage 3 T1D onset by 14 days.
                                                                                                                         Chennai Runners to raise funds for children who couldn’t afford insulin, that encouraged me the
    Verapamil and low-dose ATG preserve beta cell function and improve HbA1c.                                            most and it was the beginning of my running journey. The thought of helping these children
    Tirzepatide shows benefits in obese T1D patients with better CGM readings, weight loss, and                           propelled me. It was then a matter of time, 10K progressed to half 21K and one day I completed
    HbA1c reduction.                                                                                                     my first full marathon of 42K. Sridhar helped me believe in myself and Divya and my Hyderabad
                                                                                                                         runners group helped me make that dream come true. TNT and ECIL Runners have really
    AHCL systems improve time-in-range by 2.5 hours/day and reduce HbA1c by 0.6%.                                        supported me to develop this passion.
 Type 1 diabetes didn’t choose you to break you — it chose you because you’re
 strong enough to rise. You may count carbs and monitor blood sugar, but your                                     Q.7 : If you had one message for the world, what would it be ?
 spirit is immeasurable.                                                                                          Ans: Embracing challenges is a part of life, if you think they are a part of your life, they will not bother
                                                                                                                         you as much. Education and Awareness, the more you have, the faster you will grow and you
 KUDOS TO ALL THE T1D WARRIORS ACROSS THE GLOBE.                                                                         will be confident about handling your health very well. This confidence will help you to grow as a
                                                                                                                         human and be successful. Never shy from asking help, love your Diabetes, it will love you back.
                                                                                                                                                                       MYTHS
Work by DAY FOUNDATION
D
         iabetes Awareness & You (DAY) is a Kolkata-based social organization that began
         in 2006 with the mission to foster a diabetes-aware society and add healthy years                                                          Type 1 diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.
         to life. Initially, its primary goal was to organize mass awareness and diabetes
screening camps to identify undiagnosed cases. In 2009, on its third anniversary, DAY                                                                    People with T1D can’t eat sweets or carbs.
launched several milestone initiatives such as blue lighting of heritage monuments, a tri-
lingual awareness slogan, adopting a village for a “Diabetes Aware Village” project, and                                                                  Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same.
initiating free insulin support for underprivileged individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
This support was initially provided through the self-funded Select Patient Sponsorship                                                                        Insulin is a cure for type 1 diabetes.
Program, with the first beneficiary being a young girl who later became an engineer. This
experience led to the formation of a dedicated T1D SUPPORT vertical, which has since                                                                          People with T1D shouldn’t exercise.
positively impacted over 1,000 individuals.
                                                                                                                                                             You can manage T1D without insulin.
DAY now provides a 24x7 WhatsApp-based support system for T1Ds, managed by volunteers and diabetes educators
who offer guidance without interfering in medical treatments. The organization understands that T1D is a chronic                                                T1D limits life choices or success.
condition that requires more than just insulin—it demands a comprehensive approach involving regular monitoring,
psychological support, education, and socio-economic assistance.                                                                                            People with T1D shouldn’t play sports.
Their support is tailored to individual needs and includes free insulin, glucometers, strips, counseling, and livelihood-                          T1D can be reversed or cured with diet or supplements.
related help.
                                                                                                                                                             You can manage T1D without insulin.
To ensure effective diabetes management, DAY runs the DIABETES MONITOR program, which offers quarterly
HbA1c tests, doctor consultations, and annual diagnostic screenings at an affordable rate of ₹6000 per year. This                                             People with T1D are weak or fragile.
initiative helps people manage their condition more effectively. To reach individuals beyond Kolkata, DAY introduced
                                                                                                                                                   Finger pricks are the only way to monitor blood sugar.
the Virtual Type 1 Diabetes School, a biweekly online platform operated by and for T1Ds, focusing on psychosocial
issues.
                                                                                                                                                                                 VS
The school was launched on Valentine’s Day and is celebrated annually with the DAY T1D STAR award, recognizing
T1Ds who excel in academics, arts, sports, or social work. In 2025, Mr. Aritra Ghosh was awarded for qualifying as a
Junior Research Fellow via the UGC NET exam.                                                                                                                             FACTS
Over the years, DAY has organized numerous innovative activities to fight stigma and promote inclusivity for T1Ds.
These include a trekking expedition to Kalsubai in 2014, a short film on T1D awareness in 2016 which was featured in
international festivals, a fashion parade in 2017, and the Type 1 Hero program in 2018 featuring a national-level
badminton player. In 2019, DAY partnered with BADAS for an Indo-Bangladesh cycle expedition.
In subsequent years, they hosted nature outings, virtual cultural events involving participants from every Indian state,             T1D is an autoimmune condition. The body’s immune system
rock climbing sessions, and the first-ever T1D workshop in Assam. Their T1D community has also engaged in cultural                 attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas — it's not caused by
                                                                                                                                                            diet or lifestyle.
programs, including a play titled “A Typical Journey of T1D” directed and performed by T1Ds, which has been staged at
major events like the Kolkata International Book Fair, with plans to perform it in regional languages.                         People with T1D can eat a balanced diet, including carbs and sweets,
                                                                                                                                 as long as they monitor blood sugar and take insulin accordingly.
DAY also collaborates with the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights (WBCPCR), producing regular
                                                                                                                                   They are very diferent conditions. T1D is autoimmune and always
radio programs and offering support through Child Line 1098. During the COVID-19 lockdown, they launched a supply                   requires insulin; T2D is more about insulin resistance and may not
and mental health platform in partnership with WBCPCR, earning wide appreciation.                                                                         require insulin initially.
Their work has been recognized through several awards, including a special mention from WBCPCR, the DMDSC                   Insulin is a treatment, not a cure. T1D is lifelong and currently has no cure.
Type 1 Diabetes Ambassador award (2020), the RSSDI T1D Network award (2021), and the Best Innovative Practice
                                                                                                                              Exercise is encouraged for people with T1D. With proper blood sugar
in T1D Care award at the T1EUP Conclave in 2023 for the DIABETES MONITOR project.                                            management, it supports overall health and improves insulin sensitivity.
Throughout its journey, DAY has actively collaborated with national and international support groups, especially                          Insulin is essential for survival in T1D. Without it, dangerous
BADAS in Bangladesh, and believes that networking is essential for the welfare of T1Ds.                                                     complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur.
The organization remains committed to expanding its reach and impact, extending heartfelt thanks to Empower T1D                   People with T1D can live full, successful lives — including careers,
for providing a platform to share its journey and initiatives. Through compassionate care, innovative programs, and                 sports, travel, and family — with good diabetes management.
tireless advocacy, DAY continues to empower individuals with T1D and foster a more inclusive and aware society.
                                                                                                                                          With planning, people with T1D can safely exercise and play
                                                                                                                                                              competitive sports.
Author : Indrajit Majumder                Founder : DAY Foundation , T1 Advocate
                                                                                                                               T1D is not reversible. No diet, herb, or alternative therapy can cure it.
Many people with T1D are athletes, leaders, and high performers.
                                    NATIONAL T1 FRONTIERS                                                                     o m in               g
                                                                                                                             C Up
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