Coping with type 1 diabetes

Indu adds that her mother has been the real ‘superstar’ in her life. “She never held me back from playing or participating in any activity, unlike many parents of such children who do so fearing that they may faint. I used to be a keen sportsperson and I would sometimes faint in the midst of a race. I would take part in youth festivals and sometimes faint on stage. During such times, I would have someone to feed me a little bit of glucose or sugar. No point in hiding one’s problem from people and inviting trouble,” she says.

Even in her shooting sets, Indu is open about her condition but people’s reactions range from one of alarm to unwanted sympathy. Nowadays, she uses an insulin pump which has done away with the need to pierce the body seven times a day but it is a costly affair. “All concerned from children and parents to others need to realise that it is normal and that people with type 1 diabetes can lead a normal life like everyone else. Many who find out that their children have diabetes think their child’s future is ruined or take it to be a huge black mark. I had an interaction with such children recently at a hospital and they as well as their parents were so glad to see that I could go on to be a film star despite being a diabetic. Mothers of girls afflicted with the disease ask if their girls would be able to lead a married life and I tell them that I am happily married.”

A ‘major supporter’ for her has been her husband Major Kishore who is also a film actor. They got married recently after a long courtship, making Indu take a break from films and television. “I am now ready to resume my film career but waiting for a good role,” she says, revealing that talks are on about a prominent role in a Tamil project.

Not only is it possible for type I diabetes patients to lead a normal life — with proper diet, exercise and medicine — but they can also be achievers, points out Indu. Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram, American actress Halle Berry and American reality show star Kyle Cochran are some of those who have shown that the disease need not come in the way of success and stardom. “Look at Kyle Cochran who took part in the show called American Ninja Warrior with an insulin pump. People could not even believe that such a person could have six packs or get such a figure.”

Indu points out how there is lack of awareness about the disease even among medical professionals. “One doctor asked if it could not be managed with tablets. When asked how he could be so ignorant, he said it was not taught in his course,” she says. Another fallacy is to switch over to alternative medicine. “Someone told a friend who had type 1 diabetes to try ayurveda instead of going through the ordeal of daily injections. Unfortunately he took the advice and died within a week.”