Darius
“My name is Darius Maswai, and I am 24 years old. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 10 after a severe diabetic attack left me in a coma. Waking up to this news changed everything for me. I panicked, and life suddenly seemed different as my peers and teachers treated me more cautiously, especially after an incident where I needed immediate medical attention at school. This over-cautiousness made me feel singled out," Darius shared.
Darius is the eldest of four siblings and his diagnosis impacted the entire family. "My parents were deeply affected and had to inject me twice a day when I was young. It was traumatic for them, and my siblings sometimes felt left out because of the extra attention I received," he explained. Despite these challenges, Darius had no choice but to accept his condition, gradually learning to manage his injections independently.
Managing diabetes brought numerous struggles, including adapting to dietary changes. "Adjusting food portions and cutting down on sugar was tough. I still need small amounts of sugar occasionally to prevent my body from reacting negatively," Darius said. He also noted the effects of physical activity on his blood sugar. “I love cycling, but once I fell due to low energy. It’s moments like these that make diabetes management tricky.”
At 13, Darius joined the MTRH Chandaria Home Glucose Monitoring Program, supported by Life for the Child, which changed everything. “Before joining, I felt alone. The program connected me with a community that made me feel understood and supported. It taught me food management and how to live a healthy lifestyle while adapting to dietary needs.” He added, “The machines for self-testing have been lifesavers. Now, I can monitor my sugar levels and understand what triggers spikes or drops.”
Darius’s confidence grew as he learned to administer injections independently and became more optimistic about life. "Acceptance was key. Now, managing diabetes feels easier, and I can enjoy life," he said. Inspired by the program, Darius started a WhatsApp group aimed at creating awareness and building a community. “I want to share knowledge and change the narrative around diabetes,” he said passionately.
Darius has a special quote that resonates deeply with him: “Of course, I’m diabetic, so it’s okay to be a stranger at home.” He explained, “It’s about balancing how to handle family who don’t fully understand my condition, especially during gatherings where sugary foods are served. I’ve had to learn how to manage these situations and keep my sugar levels in check.”
Despite the challenges, Darius remains grateful. “Thanks to the Home Glucose Monitoring Program, I’m equipped with knowledge, free testing strips, and subsidized supplies that I couldn’t have accessed otherwise. I don’t know what life would have been like without this support,” he shared. “Thank you for making this journey manageable.”