Although India's enormous population has long struggled with diabetes, the quiet burden of Type 1 diabetes has gone mostly unnoticed. That changes this week, when Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and the worldwide non-profit Beyond Type 1 launched #TheBeyondType, the organization's first Indian campaign, aimed at challenging stigma and highlighting the true stories of those living with this lifelong ailment. 

The project comes at a critical time. India has more young kids with Type 1 diabetes than any other country in the world, but knowledge is low, and stigma continues to influence how families respond to early signs. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's immune system mistakenly destroying insulin-producing cells. It is not caused by food, weight, or age and typically develops throughout childhood or adolescence. Young people are at risk of serious problems if not diagnosed early on. 

Nick Jonas, who was diagnosed at the age of 13, co-founded Beyond Type 1 ten years ago to help others understand this reality. "I know for myself how diabetes doesn't have to limit you, but only when you have access to the right care, tools, and support," he told me. "It is why we are here in India, where awareness is low and stigma is rampant, to help make it a reality for everyone. I've grown to love India through my family, and I'm glad of the progress we've made so far." 

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who joined the board after seeing her husband's experience firsthand, emphasised the importance of elevating Indian voices. "India has extraordinary people living with type 1 diabetes, yet their stories are rarely heard," she told me. "I gained a deeper understanding of this community through my husband Nick, and I've seen personally the resilience and dedication that so many people living with T1D carry every day. The Beyond Type tells a few of these experiences and demonstrates how, with good care and access, diabetes does not define or limit what people can do. 

Priyanka, Nick, and Beyond Type 1 launched the campaign on Instagram, reaching a total audience of 135 million people. The film focuses on individuals who refuse to let the condition hold them back, including triathlete 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 vegetable vendor-turned-marathon runner Harichandran Ponnusamy. Mehrin states, "Diabetes is a part of my life, not a limitation." A person with type 1 diabetes can do anything in their life." 

Their tales matter because stigma remains one of the most significant hurdles. A recent PLOS Global Public Health study in Karnataka discovered that many young individuals hide their diagnosis, avoid taking insulin in public, and are pressured—particularly girls—to remain silent owing to marriage worries. Unreported early signs like extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and rapid weight loss can delay treatment. 

Beyond Type 1 also supports grassroots groups such as HRIDAY, Nityaasha Foundation, Gramme Jyoti, and SAMATVAM Trust, who work to raise school awareness, assist underserved families, and empower girls with Type 1 diabetes via medical care and life skills.

As Seema Srivastava, Director of Social Impact and Global Advocacy at Beyond Type 1, notes, “Real change begins with the people closest to the work on the ground.” The campaign now aims to start conversations that families have avoided for too long.