Ethan Parikh

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Ethan was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 12, during a time when he was already navigating changes in school, hobbies, and friendships. Learning how a chronic condition would fit into his daily life felt overwhelming at first, and he relied heavily on his close network of supports to help him adjust. Living with diabetes can be mentally, physically, and emotionally demanding. There are days when management feels effortless, and other days when, no matter what he does, things just do not seem to work. One of Ethan’s biggest ongoing challenges is adapting his diabetes management to fit his lifestyle, interests, and goals. This means being creative, staying positive, learning through experience, and connecting with supportive communities. Through this journey, Ethan has become deeply grateful for his health and his ability to stay active and pursue what matters most to him. Living with a chronic condition has strengthened his resilience, courage, empathy, and self-advocacy.

Ethan feels proud to be part of the diabetes community and is passionate about supporting others as they navigate similar yet unique experiences. His involvement extends into advocacy, mentorship, and research. He has had the opportunity to meet people with T1D from across Canada through sports camps, backpacking trips, speaking engagements, and academic conferences. Ethan is also grateful to be studying medicine at the University of Toronto, just across the street from the birthplace of insulin. He believes there is no such thing as perfect diabetes management and that learning what works best for you is key. Ethan hopes to show others that diabetes does not have to limit their goals or dreams.



#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma