An engineering student from Pune, 19-year old Shevate was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 12. Identifying his potential, Dr Mutha’s Diabetes Care and Research Foundation’ supported his complete care — insulin, insulin pump, education, hospitalisation and all investigations.
He was the youngest member of a 13-member international team (10 of whom have Type 1 diabetes) who trekked to reach the legendary ancient Inca settlement Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world. Representing eight countries across four continents, together, they demonstrated a positive attitude towards type 1 diabetes, sending out a message to the global Type 1 diabetes community that by striving for control of their diabetes, they can dare to dream.
Dr Abhay A Mutha, Consultant Diabetologist and President – Diabetes Care and Research Foundation, Pune said, “Shevate is one of the many promising type 1 diabetics supported by our foundation ‘Diabetes Care and Research Foundation’, which has since 2004 been dedicated to empowering diabetic children and their families with adequate knowledge, care and assistance to help them lead a normal life. A large number of juvenile diabetics that come to us, are from poor families; they are required to spend almost 25 per cent of their income on the treatment of one child. In order to help such patients, the Foundation has started the ‘Childhood Diabetes Welfare Program’ that has so far adopted more than 400 kids all over Maharashtra. Till the age of 18, all their expenses for investigations, insulin injections, hospitalisation, education and other requirements, are taken care of by the Foundation. Even today, this is the only foundation of its kind in the country for the welfare of diabetic children.”
While sharing anecdotes from his inspiring journey, Shevate stated, “I am very proud to share that together we have conveyed a message of hope, and demonstrated that it is possible to go beyond diabetes with the right preparation and good knowledge of one’s dietary and physical needs.”
Speaking at the felicitation event, Ramprasad Bhat, Senior Director – Diabetes Business Unit, Sanofi India said, “We are very proud that a patient from India participated and successfully completed Sanofi and World Diabetes Tour’s Type 1 Challenge to Machu Picchu. We believe Shevate’s story will help spread the powerful message that diabetic patients can take on all life challenges if they receive timely support, abide by the advice of their doctor and diligently following their treatment plan.”
Committed to the cause of Type 1 diabetes, Dr Mutha added, “We need government support in our endeavour to reach out to larger number of young diabetic patients and expand our network to other states. By giving scholarships, removing taxes for insulin, reducing excise duty for pumps, improving infrastructure and delivery chain, and creating public private partnerships, the government can immensely help in improving the lives of Type 1 diabetes patients in our country.”