Fawad Khan Discloses Diabetes Diagnosis at 17, Reflects on 24-Year Career Battling the Disease

Renowned actor Fawad Khan recently opened up about his personal journey with Type-1 diabetes, which he was diagnosed with at the age of 17. In a candid interview with a digital channel, Khan shared the challenges he faced and the long-lasting impact this diagnosis had on his life. “When I was 17, my body experienced an auto-immune reaction. I had a high fever episode that caused me to lose 10 kilos of body weight in just eight days. Within that period, my weight dropped from 65 kg to 55 kg,” recalled Khan.

“The next day, I started experiencing excessive thirst, a condition known as polyuria, which involves frequent urination and constant dehydration despite drinking copious amounts of water,” Khan further revealed. He underwent blood sugar testing due to these symptoms, leading to a diagnosis of Type-1 diabetes.

Following the diagnosis, Khan began receiving insulin treatment to manage his condition.

With a smile, Khan stated, “I’ve been dealing with diabetes for 24 years. I started using insulin at 17 and I’m now 41.” When asked about the impact of the illness on his life, he candidly shared, “I used to be very active in school, participating in various sports. However, after diabetes, my enthusiasm for sports diminished significantly. For the first few months, I lacked interest and felt constantly fatigued.” Khan acknowledged the inconvenience of constantly carrying and administering insulin in school but refused to let diabetes hinder him despite its limitations.

Here are some tips for preventing type 1 diabetes:

1. Genetic testing and counselling:
   Individuals with a family history of type 1 diabetes can benefit from genetic testing. By identifying specific genetic markers associated with the condition, the risk level can be determined. Genetic counselling can provide guidance on preventing type 1 diabetes and the likelihood of developing it.
2. Early introduction of solid foods:
   Some studies suggest that the timing of introducing solid foods to infants may play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes. Delaying the introduction of solid foods beyond four to six months of age could be beneficial for infants at higher hereditary risk. It’s important to note that further research is needed in this area, as each individual’s situation may vary.
3. Supplementing with Vitamin D:
   Certain data points to a potential connection between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of type 1 diabetes. Although the exact relationship between the two is not fully understood, ensuring appropriate levels of vitamin D, especially during infancy and youth, may be advantageous. Consultation with a healthcare practitioner is recommended to determine the need for vitamin D supplementation, particularly if there are risk factors or geographical limitations that may hinder sun exposure.