Pavani Gupta is a great student. She’s a cheerful and happy kid, who loves to play badminton. So, when she was told she couldn’t eat sugar anymore, Pavani had many questions for her mom.

To see your child live their best life is any parent’s greatest wish. Charul Gupta’s desire for a happy life for her daughter became a resolve when Pavani was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (juvenile diabetes) at the age of 12. With the advice of doctors and health technology by their side, the family found a new normal that has given Pavani the wings to manage her health and chase her dreams.

An Unlikely Fluctuation

While Pavani relishes mangoes and enjoys an occasional piece of chocolate, junk and processed foods have never been a part of her life. So, when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in March 2022, it took her family by surprise. “It took me some time to come to terms with her diagnosis,” says her mother, Charul. “I was worried that my daughter’s health was at risk, and she may not have a normal life.”

Sharing the news of the diagnosis with Pavani was not easy. Like any pre-teen wanting to experience life without inhibitions, Pavani found it hard to accept her chronic health condition and the restrictions it would bring, especially when it came to her favourite food. It was heartbreaking for Charul to see her daughter go through this turmoil.

In her bid to find the best possible answer to the challenges that faced her daughter, Charul spoke to others who had been able to manage their type 1 diabetes for years through International Diabetes Federation (IDF). With the encouragement and support from the community, knowledge from her physicians and technology by her side, Pavani’s life was about to change.

The Butterfly Effect

Charul was introduced to a health management device that has now become an integral part of Pavani’s life— a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device. This sensor-based system that painlessly tracks glucose readings round the clock and allows connected care, has brought much-needed comfort to Pavani and her caregivers. Earlier, Pavani’s glucose readings had to be measured eight times a day, before and after every meal. But now, Charul has access to her daughter’s steady stream of CGM data. This helps Charul make more informed decisions about Pavani’s diet, exercise and medication, to ensure her blood sugar levels remain stable.

“I can’t imagine how we would have managed the fluctuations without the biosensor."

CGM insights give her an understanding of Pavani’s time in range — the amount of time her blood glucose is in the target range. She noticed this bring a gradual change in Pavani’s mindset. For example, Pavani can see the positive impact that exercise has on her health — if she plays badminton for an hour in the evening, her glucose levels remain stable until the next morning.

As a first-hand witness to the changes in levels, Pavani is now in tune with what her health needs are; with Charul’s mind now at ease, she is gradually trusting her daughter to look after herself even when she is in school, traveling, or on her own.

Pavani’s teachers and friends are now her companions on her health journey — they know what a normal glucose range means, remind Pavani to check her readings, take insulin on time, and can hold her hand through highs and lows.

Giving Wings to Young Dreams 

Pavani followed her love for badminton to reach the semi-finals of a state-level Badminton tournament.

Last year, her mother encouraged her to go on a week-long school trip to Nepal with her school friends and teachers.

Like any other 12-year-old, Pavani tells her mom what she wants to be when she wants to grow up. From space science to hairstyling, everything is possible for her.

As for Charul, her happiness remains in giving her daughter the ability to live her life fully — with curiosity, courage, confidence and joy.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.