Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Launch Major Type 1 Diabetes Awareness Drive in India
Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas have launched a powerful new initiative in India to raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes through Nick’s global non-profit, Beyond Type 1. The programme aims to support thousands of Indians with better access to information, resources and community support something both stars believe is urgently needed.
Priyanka, who is a board member of the foundation, shared the announcement on Instagram. She revealed how deeply personal this initiative feels, especially because she learned about Type 1 diabetes through Nick’s own health journey. The singer was diagnosed at 13 and has been very open about managing the autoimmune condition with insulin pumps and glucose monitoring devices.
She added that Nick co-founded Beyond Type 1 to ensure that people living with the condition can access “the knowledge, support, and dignity they deserve."
The foundation’s mission is not just medical awareness it is about breaking stigma, empowering families, and building a global network that understands the emotional and practical challenges faced by those with Type 1 diabetes.
“India has the second-highest number of people living with diabetes in the world, and more youth live with type 1 diabetes than anywhere else many diagnosed too late and battling stigma alone."
Late diagnosis is often caused by families missing early warning signs like excessive thirst, fatigue and sudden weight loss. The stigma surrounding diabetes, especially Type 1, leads to silence and misinformation something this campaign aims to change.
Their stories highlight resilience, not limitations. As young athlete Mehrin said, “Diabetes is just a part of my life, not a limit. A person with type 1 can do everything in their life without any limits."
In her official statement to the press, Priyanka Chopra highlighted the resilience she has seen in people living with Type 1 diabetes. She said, “I’ve witnessed firsthand the strength and determination that so many people living with T1D carry every single day. The Beyond Type brings a few of these stories forward and shows that with proper care and access, diabetes does not define them or limit what they can achieve."
Nick shared a deeply emotional note as the campaign launched:
“I know firsthand that diabetes doesn’t have to limit you, but only when you have access to the right care, tools, and support. That’s why we’re here in India, where awareness is low and stigma remains high, to help make that possible for everyone. Through my own family, I’ve come to love India deeply, and I’m proud of the progress already underway."
“There is a camaraderie there because of the openness and a willingness to share about the journey you are on while trying to manage type 1,” he shared.
A Step Toward a More Informed India
With this new initiative, Priyanka and Nick hope to shift the conversation around Type 1 diabetes in India away from fear and stigma and toward empowerment, education and early diagnosis.
Their combined influence, paired with Beyond Type 1’s global reach, could spark the awareness needed to help millions lead healthier, more confident lives.
Priyanka, who is a board member of the foundation, shared the announcement on Instagram. She revealed how deeply personal this initiative feels, especially because she learned about Type 1 diabetes through Nick’s own health journey. The singer was diagnosed at 13 and has been very open about managing the autoimmune condition with insulin pumps and glucose monitoring devices.
Priyanka Shares Nick’s Story With India
In her post, Priyanka wrote, “My understanding of Type 1 diabetes began with my husband Nick Jonas. Twenty years since his diagnosis, he stands as proof of what resilience looks like and every day, he shows us what it means to live beyond limitation,"She added that Nick co-founded Beyond Type 1 to ensure that people living with the condition can access “the knowledge, support, and dignity they deserve."
The foundation’s mission is not just medical awareness it is about breaking stigma, empowering families, and building a global network that understands the emotional and practical challenges faced by those with Type 1 diabetes.
Why India Needs This Campaign
According to the World Health Organisation, there are an estimated 77 million diabetics over the age of 18 in India. But what’s even more concerning is Priyanka’s observation:“India has the second-highest number of people living with diabetes in the world, and more youth live with type 1 diabetes than anywhere else many diagnosed too late and battling stigma alone."
Late diagnosis is often caused by families missing early warning signs like excessive thirst, fatigue and sudden weight loss. The stigma surrounding diabetes, especially Type 1, leads to silence and misinformation something this campaign aims to change.
Faces of Strength: The Campaign’s First Heroes
The initial phase showcases inspiring individuals living with Type 1 diabetes Lt Col Kumar Gaurav, 13-year-old karate champion Mehrin Rana, pastry chef Nishant Amin, toy designer Shreya Jain, dancer and actor Indu Thampy, and marathon-running vegetable vendor Harichandran Ponnusamy.Their stories highlight resilience, not limitations. As young athlete Mehrin said, “Diabetes is just a part of my life, not a limit. A person with type 1 can do everything in their life without any limits."
In her official statement to the press, Priyanka Chopra highlighted the resilience she has seen in people living with Type 1 diabetes. She said, “I’ve witnessed firsthand the strength and determination that so many people living with T1D carry every single day. The Beyond Type brings a few of these stories forward and shows that with proper care and access, diabetes does not define them or limit what they can achieve."
Nick Jonas Sends a Heartfelt Message to India
Nick shared a deeply emotional note as the campaign launched:
“I know firsthand that diabetes doesn’t have to limit you, but only when you have access to the right care, tools, and support. That’s why we’re here in India, where awareness is low and stigma remains high, to help make that possible for everyone. Through my own family, I’ve come to love India deeply, and I’m proud of the progress already underway."
Nick Jonas’ Own Battle With Type 1 Diabetes
Nick’s diagnosis came in 2002, and he has previously acknowledged that he “felt pretty isolated initially.” The lack of information at the time pushed him to create Beyond Type 1, and later his foundation Change for the Children, to ensure others don’t feel alone.“There is a camaraderie there because of the openness and a willingness to share about the journey you are on while trying to manage type 1,” he shared.
A Step Toward a More Informed India
With this new initiative, Priyanka and Nick hope to shift the conversation around Type 1 diabetes in India away from fear and stigma and toward empowerment, education and early diagnosis. Their combined influence, paired with Beyond Type 1’s global reach, could spark the awareness needed to help millions lead healthier, more confident lives.
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