Salman’s Second Chance: Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes

Salman’s journey with diabetes was a challenging one, marked by late diagnosis and a lack of awareness within his family about the different types of diabetes. Despite his family’s history with Type 2 diabetes, nobody anticipated that Salman could have Type 1 diabetes, a condition that struck him unexpectedly in adulthood.

His life took a dramatic turn when he was rushed to Indus Hospital’s Korangi Campus, his body severely weakened by uncontrolled diabetes. The medical team swiftly intervened, administering life-saving insulin and stabilizing his condition. Afterwards, Salman was immediately referred to the hospital’s outpatient Diabetes clinic. 

Recalling these events Salman said, “it was terrifying when it happened, my parents and myself just could not understand what was happening. I felt so weak and so sick but when we got to Indus and were immediately seen by the doctors I felt a sense of relief. I knew I was going to be taken care of properly.”

With the guidance delivered by the Outpatient Diabetes clinic at IHHN Salman began a series of lifestyle changes that have now allowed him to live a normal lifestyle unhindered by his condition. 

“I remember the first time I met the doctors at the clinic and learned about Type 1 diabetes. At the time I was prepping to get married and was terrified that with my condition I would not be able to marry and live a normal life. The doctors fully assured me that with proper exercise, and diet management I would be fine and would be able to live a normal life including getting married, having healthy children, resuming my job and being healthy. Today I am confident that I along with many other people with type 1 diabetes can live a good life despite the disease.”

Along with guiding Salman on how to exercise, eat and manage his condition the doctors at the diabetes clinic also had Salman and his family meet with a psychosocial counselor so as to alleviate their fears and help them adjust to this new reality. 

“The doctors even showed me several different methods to check my blood sugar when I was having trouble with the pen (an instrument used to check blood sugar levels). They also taught me how to track my blood sugar on a daily basis on a worksheet.”

Smiling sheepishly, Salman recounted the first time he showed the doctors his worksheet. Not understanding how to do it exactly, Salman had filled out the worksheet at random and was playfully told off by the doctors. “Afterwards the doctors patiently explained exactly how to check out his sugar levels at different times of the day and record the numbers on the worksheet. Even though I knew they had dozens of patients waiting to be seen, none of that was evident on their face. I have never felt rushed at Indus.”

Today Salman is a healthy man of 24, steadily working at his job while preparing for his upcoming nuptials. He still comes regularly for check-ups with the clinic and is well-known and well liked by the staff here. He credits Indus with giving him a new lease of life.