Bengaluru, December 03, 2025: Beyond Type 1, the global diabetes nonprofit co-founded by musician Nick Jonas, has launched its first India-focused awareness campaign, #TheBeyondType, to challenge stigma and spotlight real stories of people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The initiative was unveiled jointly by Nick Jonas, board member Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Beyond Type 1, marking the organisation’s milestone entry into India.
India has the world’s highest number of young people living with type 1 diabetes and the second-highest population of people living with diabetes overall. Despite this, awareness remains low, and stigma continues to prevent timely diagnosis and appropriate care.
The campaign features stories of individuals thriving with T1D, including a triathlete, a young karate champion, a pastry chef, a toy designer, a dancer-actor, and a vegetable vendor who is also a marathon runner. Through these voices, the initiative aims to demonstrate that diabetes does not define people living with the condition.
“India has extraordinary people living with Type 1 diabetes, yet their stories are rarely heard,” said Priyanka Chopra Jonas. “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.”
Nick Jonas added, “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. 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.”
Launched through a joint Instagram post by Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Beyond Type 1, the campaign highlights how stigma forces many young people to hide their diagnosis or avoid taking insulin in public. Studies, including recent findings published in PLOS Global Public Health, show that misconceptions around T1D significantly impact daily life, education and employment for young patients.
Alongside the awareness campaign, Beyond Type 1 is supporting four grassroots organisations across Delhi-NCR, Pune, Deoghar and Bengaluru to increase early recognition of symptoms, provide medical and nutritional support, and offer life-skills training—particularly to girls and young people from underserved communities.
“At Beyond Type 1 we believe real change begins with the people closest to the work on the ground,” said Seema Srivastava, Director of Social Impact and Global Advocacy, Beyond Type 1. “By partnering with grassroots organisations, we are helping families recognise early signs, reduce shame and misinformation, and access education, supplies and peer support.”
The organisation said the campaign aims to catalyse national conversation, reduce stigma and empower families to seek timely care for children and young adults living with type 1 diabetes.
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