Beyond Type 1, co-founded by Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, launches #TheBeyondType in India to challenge diabetes stigma, raise early awareness, and support children with Type 1 Diabetes. Read about this crucial health advocacy effort.
Beyond Type 1 India Diabetes Stigma Initiative
Global power couple Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas have officially rolled out the inaugural India campaign for Beyond Type 1, the non-profit organization co-founded by Nick, aimed at transforming the narrative around Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Christened #TheBeyondType, this powerful health advocacy initiative seeks to unite India’s vast diabetes community, provide essential resources, and, most crucially, confront the pervasive diabetes stigma that tragically affects countless lives, particularly those of children and youth.
India currently holds the alarming distinction of having the world’s highest number of children and adolescents living with T1D, an autoimmune condition often misunderstood by the public. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who serves on the organization’s board, drew a direct link to her husband’s own journey, sharing that his diagnosis at age 13 serves as proof of resilience and living “beyond limitation.” This personal connection provides a strong, empathetic anchor for the entire campaign, elevating the discussion from clinical statistics to shared human experience.
The core mission of Beyond Type 1 India Diabetes Stigma Initiative is to break the debilitating silence surrounding the condition. Studies have indicated that due to fear of judgment—especially in social settings, school environments, and when considering marriage prospects—many young people with T1D actively hide their diagnosis, sometimes even delaying essential insulin injections in public. This silence is not just emotional; it contributes to delayed diagnosis, often pushing individuals into medical emergencies when simple symptoms like excessive thirst or unexpected weight loss are ignored.
The #TheBeyondType campaign tackles this challenge head-on by amplifying the voices and real-life experiences of individuals who are thriving with the condition. The initiative spotlights inspiring figures—including a triathlete, a pastry chef, a karate champion, and an entrepreneur—demonstrating that a T1D diagnosis does not define or limit one’s potential. By showcasing this relentless determination and success, the campaign intends to chip away at harmful misconceptions and foster a culture of understanding and peer support.
