‘I envision a society that deeply understands diabetes and its impact,’ Pune girl who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 12

Now 22-years-old, Sanskruti is pursuing a vocational course on company secretary by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

Sanskruti Kolte (Express File Photo)

Sanskruti Kolte was 12 when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that requires one to take insulin injections daily. Now 22-years-old, Sanskruti is pursuing a vocational course on company secretary by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

Speaking about her experience of living with Type 1 diabetes since adolescence, Sanskruti said, “Back when I was in school, I had all the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes — weight loss, frequent urination, and hunger but was clueless about what it meant until my diagnosis. Those years were tough as I had to miss a few weeks of school and later shift to another one closer to home. I was suddenly faced with several big changes, a new diagnosis, a change in school, friends, timing, food, and suddenly having to take injections daily.”

With a lot of hope and optimism in her heart, Sanskruti now looks forward to 2024 where she hopes people who are diagnosed with the disease find care and support easily. “I am particularly hopeful for breakthroughs in diabetes research and medical technology. I am especially excited about the potential for affordable, advanced glucose monitoring systems, possibly developed by Indian companies, which would be a game-changer for the Indian middle class. These advancements are not just about improving quality of life; they symbolize freedom from the relentless burden of diabetes management,” she said.

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Another aspect that Sanskruti is looking forward to is the increased focus on diabetes education and awareness. “I envision a society that deeply understands diabetes and its impact, fostering an environment where empathy and support replace stigma and discrimination. This shift is crucial for creating a more inclusive community for individuals living with diabetes,” she said.

Sanskruti also wants to see the growth of diabetes communities such as the Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation,where she herself volunteers. “Most importantly, in 2024, I hope for a world that prioritizes the well-being of individuals with chronic conditions, including diabetes. This includes fostering a culture that emphasizes compassion and holistic support, access to affordable and quality healthcare, effective insurance coverage, and comprehensive support systems addressing the physical, emotional, and mental impacts of diabetes,” she said.

Anuradha Mascarenhas

Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More

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