Greetings, I’m Josephine Mapfumo from Zimbabwe, and I have been living with type 1 diabetes since 2024.
I was diagnosed at 22 after months of feeling unwell, experiencing significant weight loss and extreme thirst. My diagnosis came just one week before my exams, and I suddenly had to learn how to manage type 1 diabetes and inject insulin while continuing with my studies. I also encountered stigma and misinformation, including being told that my diabetes had spiritual causes.
These experiences inspired me to join the Blue Circle Voices Network. I want to use my lived experience to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions and amplify the voices of people with diabetes, particularly young people.
Today, I work full-time, exercise and continue pursuing my goals while managing diabetes. As a Blue Circle Voice, I hope to contribute my experiences to IDF consultations, awareness campaigns and advocacy activities while learning from other people with diabetes and helping amplify their stories.
I want my story to show other young people that diabetes can become part of your life without defining it or preventing you from pursuing your ambitions. Through advocacy, I hope to help create greater understanding, acceptance and support for people with diabetes.
“I was diagnosed at 22 after months of feeling unwell, experiencing significant weight loss and extreme thirst. My diagnosis came just one week before my exams, and I suddenly had to learn how to manage type 1 diabetes and inject insulin while continuing with my studies. I also encountered stigma and misinformation, including being told that my diabetes had spiritual causes. I want to use my lived experience to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions and amplify the voices of people with diabetes, particularly young people. ”
