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Beyond Type 1, global nonprofit co-founded by Nick Jonas and supported by board member Priyanka Chopra Jonas, launched its first campaign in India — #TheBeyondType. The initiative aims to build awareness about type 1 diabetes (T1D), challenge stigma and strengthen support for families across the country.India has more young people living with T1D than any other nation, yet understanding of the condition remains limited. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, not caused by age or lifestyle, but stigma often leads families to miss early symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and sudden weight loss.Priyanka Chopra Jonas stressed the importance of bringing more real stories to the forefront. “India has extraordinary people living with Type 1 diabetes, yet their stories are rarely heard,” she said. “I came to understand this community more deeply through my husband Nick, and 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. ”The campaign highlights people who continue to follow their ambitions despite living with T1D, including triathlete Lt Col Kumar Gaurav, karate champion Mehrin Rana, pastry chef Nishant Amin, toy designer Shreya Jain, dancer and actor Indu Thampy and marathon runner Harichandran Ponnusamy. As Mehrin puts it, “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.”Nick Jonas, diagnosed with T1D at age 13, emphasised why the campaign matters in India. “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 said. “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.”Research shows how stigma affects everyday life for young people with T1D. A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that many hide their diagnosis, avoid taking insulin in public and face family pressure, especially girls, to stay silent due to marriage concerns. Healthcare providers reported that young people are often viewed as weak or treated differently at school and work.To address these challenges, Beyond Type 1 is partnering with grassroots organisations across high-need regions. These include HRIDAY in Delhi–NCR, Nityaasha Foundation in Pune, Gram Jyoti in Jharkhand, and SAMATVAM Trust in Bangalore—each group focusing on improving awareness, providing medical support and building stronger community networks for young people with T1D.“At Beyond Type 1 we believe real change begins with the people closest to the work on the ground,” said Seema Srivastava, Beyond Type 1’s director of social impact and global advocacy. “By partnering with grassroots organisations, we are helping families recognise early signs, reduce shame and misinformation, and access education, supplies and peer support.”Founded in 2015 by Nick Jonas and Juliet de Baubigny, Beyond Type 1 runs the world’s largest digital diabetes community, offering tools, education and support to help people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes live full and empowered lives. Go to Source