At just 17 years old, Aftab Zada was living away from home in a hostel, pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor as a Pre-Medical student in Swat. A bright student from District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he had no idea that his life was about to change forever.
It started with constant thirst, frequent urination, and rapid weight loss. In a region where awareness about type 1 diabetes was almost non-existent, no one suspected diabetes. Even in the hostel, people assumed it was a kidney problem. When Aftab finally reached the hospital, the tests revealed the truth; his blood glucose levels were dangerously high. He was admitted to Swat Teaching Hospital, where his first HbA1c came back at 12%. That was the day he began insulin therapy and a lifelong journey with type 1 diabetes.
The diagnosis shattered him. His exams had already begun, and as one of the top students in college, he feared that all his dreams were slipping away. For nearly a week, he couldn't stop crying. In his family and community, no one had ever heard of someone so young developing diabetes. Questions, fear, and uncertainty surrounded him.
Then came a turning point. A cousin, who was a doctor, sat beside him and said something that changed everything: "Diabetes is not a disease that ends your dreams. It is a condition that teaches you how to live differently."
Those words gave Aftab a new perspective. Instead of giving up, he began learning. He studied everything he could about type 1 diabetes, understood insulin management, and slowly regained control of his life. Just three months later, the results of his first-year examinations were announced.
Despite everything he had gone through, Aftab secured 4th position in his entire college, scoring 513 out of 550 marks. That achievement proved something far greater than academic success; it proved that diabetes could be managed, and dreams could still be achieved. He completed his second year with excellent grades and continued chasing even bigger ambitions.
Today, at 21 years old, Aftab is pursuing Chartered Accountancy (ACCA) - one of the world's most demanding professional qualifications. Alongside the challenges of rigorous studies, he continues to successfully manage type 1 diabetes every single day.
His journey became even stronger when he connected with Meethi Zindagi. Meethi Zindagi became a constant source of guidance, encouragement, and hope. Living in a remote mountainous area with limited internet access, Aftab never felt alone. Whether it was timely insulin support or continuous guidance, the organization stood by him whenever he needed it.
Today, Aftab has transformed from someone seeking support into someone providing it. As a Meethi Zindagi Peer Leader, he now visits schools and villages across his community, raising awareness about diabetes. In areas where misconceptions are common and health education is limited, he helps people understand what diabetes is, the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and why awareness can save lives. What once felt like the greatest challenge of his life has now become his greatest purpose. Aftab's story is a reminder that type 1 diabetes does not define a person's future. With knowledge, determination, support, and the right care, dreams remain within reach.