We all know who Wasim Akram is. Equal times charismatic cricketer and equal times all-round celebrity, maybe even the Mayor of Karachi (we kid). He seems so larger than life that often times we forget that he is also diabetic himself.
The 52 year old diabetic has been an advocate for raising awareness about the disease throughout the years. He has also chipped in for research to help manage the disease better. He also happens to be ambassador for Novo Nordisk’s diabetes machine.
Wasim and Diabetes go way back
The cricketer was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at the age of 31 while he was a cricketer for the national team. His initial reaction after the diagnosis was depression, given how most people told him he’d have to give up his love cricket if he was to live the rest of his days. However, Wasim proved that he could persevere against all odds, going on to become a cricket legend in his time.
Wasim Akram has been a strong advocate for lifestyle changes, and for making people believe that having diabetes doesn’t mean that your life is over.
Wasim is hoping to inspire others
Recently, a mother of a British kid who plays for Lincolnshire, reached out to Wasim and others over social media. She highlighted the case of her 10 year old son Oliver, who was diagnosed with type I diabetes. The mother tweeted out that her 10 year old son hates his life and how heartbreaking it is.
Heartbroken to hear my 10 year old say he hates his life. Struggling with Type 1 Diabetes but an absolute hero to us. Need some inspiration @jbairstow21 @root66 @JDRFUK @teamnovonordisk @MuhammadAliBox @wasimakramlive @jginorton @PhilSoutherland pic.twitter.com/pOMurXo2g5
— JennyCarr (@JennyCarr79) December 8, 2018
Wasim Akram reached out to the mother for reassurance that her son is a hero for battling this incurable illness at this age. The cricketer advised the mother to stay strong and keep swinging back at life because diabetes doesn’t have to be a weakness.
Here’s his inspiring message:
He doesn’t hate his life Jenny.He hates that he has to battle such a big challenge at such a young age.Its a hard time for you both and its very important that you all stay strong. Your Strength will be his superpower. Tell him every hero has a weakness, don’t let diabetes be his https://t.co/gk4enE513n
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) December 10, 2018
Novo Nordisk Chooses Wasim Akram as Its Ambassador
Novo Nordisk is a Danish pharmaceutical company that was one of the first to create machines to check blood glucose levels with just a single drop of blood.
Wasim Akram received a contract for the endorsement of the machine in Pakistan. Later in 2017, Novo Nordisk made the legendary cricketer the ambassador for their Changing Diabetes campaign, an awareness drive about diabetes in Pakistan.
The campaign involved dissemination of numerous public service messages along with public awareness programs that are run in collaboration with Wasim Akram,
“As diabetes couldn’t defeat me, it cannot stop anyone from achieving their goals. Together, we can promote healthy communities and protect the future generations of Pakistan. The public must play their part by knowing the risk factors, leading healthy lifestyles and encouraging others to do so as well,”
