As a woman in a developing country, growing up with type 1 diabetes is a lot like walking the tightrope in circus clothes under the spotlight your entire life. Much like the photo, there are obvious cracks in our society and health system and gaping holes where there should be support and communities to ease the transition from a diagnosis into the new normal. The blue circle is considered the international symbol for diabetes and at Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation we endeavour to loop everyone into our circle of support and care. A character from a sci-fi series said, and I quote, “Some people choose to see the ugliness in this world. The disarray. I choose to see the beauty.” And may I add, I choose to make a little difference.

Two years into our community 5km runs, I never imagined a month without a gathering of friends from our local diabetes communities across our various chapters. It’s been over eight months now since we’ve met or jogged together. I realise the importance of community camaraderie for myself and others like me.

Everyone, including all marginalised groups deserve the right to health and a life of dignity, without stigma and loneliness. Loss of life due to a fractured public health system is absolutely unacceptable. People living with NCDs deserve humanity and access to affordable treatment, support and care to manage their conditions irrespective of race, caste, class, poverty etc. – An absence of these basics creates an insurmountable mental burden in addition to a chronic physical illness. Diabetes care, complications and depression are all closely linked. The Buddy Project Helpline at our NGO is an app-based, community led, multilingual peer support system for people living with diabetes and their caregivers.

One of our goals as people living with NCDs (and generally as human beings) is not just to survive but also thrive, bloom and be the best versions of ourselves. With right and affordable treatment, care and support we can lead dignified lives and contribute to society. People living with NCDs deserve to be heard and must be involved in more than just tokenistic activities. Lived experiences and the voices of people living with NCDs need to be woven into policymaking and implementation. Over 77 million people in India live with various forms of diabetes and deserve a voice.

The right to health is a human right, especially relevant in the conversation around NCDs. Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.