Hinduja Foundation empowers 1,000+ young lives through its Type 1 Diabetes initiative; aims to expand a holistic care model nationwide

Chennai, November 14, 2025: On World Diabetes Day, Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the 110-year-old Hinduja Group, announces that it has transformed the lives of 1,000+ underprivileged children across Mumbai, Pune and Chennai through its Type 1 Diabetes Initiative (T1DI), a unique model that provides comprehensive medical, nutritional and emotional care to the children free of cost.

Launched in April 2019, the Foundation set out to help underprivileged children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) lead healthy, fulfilling lives. In just six years, the initiative has significantly reduced hospitalisations and improved average HbA1c levels from 10.4% to 7.8%, among enrolled children. It has also strengthened families’ financial well-being and encouraged students to excel in state-level sports like archery and chess.

India currently ranks highest globally in the number of children living with T1D, with cases rising at nearly 6.7% annually, underscoring the urgent need for equitable, lifelong diabetes care.

“Type 1 Diabetes is not just a medical condition, it’s a lifelong journey of courage, discipline, and hope,” said Raman Kalyanakrishnan, CEO, Hinduja Foundation. “Through T1DI, we stand with every child and their family, helping them manage, adapt, and thrive through compassionate, community-based care.”

The Type 1 Diabetes India (T1DI) initiative, launched with P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, and KEM Hospital, Pune, extends comprehensive support to children from low-income families through free insulin, diagnostics, counselling, and peer-learning platforms that integrate access, awareness, and empathy-driven care.

What began as a medical intervention soon evolved into a story of transformation, with over 40 children further empowered through insulin pumps, including 20 advanced automated insulin delivery systems, giving them the freedom to live fuller, healthier lives. In Pune, the Foundation and KEM Hospital have created ClubOne, a vibrant peer-support platform that nurtures resilience, confidence, and hope among young patients.

The programme’s measurable impact includes:

Significant reduction in hospitalisations among enrolled children
Improvement in average HbA1c levels from 10.4% at the first visit to 7.8% by the 14th visit among enrolled children
Increased school attendance and renewed participation in extracurricular activities
Enhanced nutrition and growth outcomes, supported by regular dietary monitoring
 

The Foundation further contributes to global diabetes research through its collaboration with Harvard University’s Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology (CDIC), with findings presented at international forums in Bangkok and Vienna in 2025.

Building on this impact, the Foundation is exploring partnerships to make diabetes management more affordable, accessible and digitally enabled across the country.