Kiara Powar stands out as India’s youngest sports presenter and a passionate advocate for Type 1 diabetes, whose inspiring story bridges the worlds of sports, health advocacy, and youth empowerment. At just 19, Kiara has cultivated an organically grown community of over 110,000 followers, drawn by her authentic storytelling and dedication to raising awareness about living boldly with diabetes. A former professional badminton player and part of Mumbai’s prominent cricketing family, Kiara blends her sports insights with a heartfelt mission to dispel myths and stigma around diabetes. Her work has earned recognition from notable figures in sports and health as well as the WHO South-East Asia region. As World Diabetes Day and Women’s Day approach, CXQuest.com delights readers with an exclusive interview delving into Kiara’s extraordinary journey of resilience, purpose-driven advocacy, and hope for future generations.
Welcome Kiara Powar
Q1. Kiara, thank you for joining us. Can you take us through your journey from being a professional badminton player to becoming a sports presenter and Type 1 diabetes advocate?
KP: I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of two. The journey since then has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. My badminton career led me to take several difficult decisions – from homeschooling to commuting across the city for training sessions and matches. Eventually, I had to give up on badminton because of my health concerns. At the same time, I was also grappling with the lack of awareness about diabetes, especially in younger people, and the stigma that accompanies what is ultimately a health condition like any other. My formative experiences of being bullied by my peers (and sometimes their parents too) made me more vocal about living with diabetes, so that other children like me realise that they are not alone.
My decision to pursue sportscasting stems from my own love for sports and growing up in a family where sports was an integral part of dinner table conversations – India is now a sports superpower and has seen several legends shape their respective games with their skill, determination, passion and sheer grit. Our country is rapidly changing the narrative of how Indian athletes are perceived globally, and the sheer possibilities that sports unlocks for young India. At the same time, I also wanted to change the way sports are viewed and discussed, from the perspective of sports commentary and decode the dynamics of the field in a format that’s relatable to millennials and Gen Z sports lovers. That shaped my approach to sports commentary.
Support and Diabetes Awareness
Through the years, I’ve had so many diabetics across age groups approach me for a better understanding of their condition. From parents who are scared and confused when the doctor proclaims their children as diabetics to teenagers who don’t know how to handle the judgment that accompanies a diagnosis to even middle-aged individuals. I’ve also found that, despite being the world’s diabetes capital, India lacks the necessary support and awareness that diabetics need to live life to their fullest potential. We need change at every level – from infrastructure to mindsets – for diabetes to be managed responsibility and to minimise its impact on what we can achieve as individuals. That understanding encouraged me to use my platform and voice to advocate for diabetes.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes
Q2. How has managing Type 1 diabetes since the age of two shaped your outlook on life, sports, and your career?
KP: When doctors diagnosed me, the medical community knew and understood very little about diabetes as a condition. My parents had to run from pillar to post to understand what I was battling and to receive an accurate diagnosis. Understandably, they didn’t know much about the condition as neither of them has experienced it. A lot has changed since – I have learned that well-managed diabetes is no longer the life and career-ending diagnosis as it was once considered. Of course, we have to be vigilant at all times about what we’re eating, getting enough movement, taking our medication and checking our sugars.
There are few experiences that feel as terrifying as a hypoglycaemic episode. We learn to manage and push through, no doubt, but it does take a toll on our stress levels and daily functioning. That’s why, I’ve also begun to speak about the mental load of diabetes – diabetic stress. That said, we are fortunate to live in an age where medical advancements have made it possible for diabetics to still perform remarkably in sports. Their stories remind me that nothing in life is impossible if we have the will and determination to persevere. I truly believe that diabetes has made me more mindful, compassionate and empathetic to those who may lack the access that I do. And that encourages me to forge ahead, and to use my platform to spark powerful conversations that can transform the way diabetes is understood and spoken of.
Social Media
Q3. Your social media presence has grown organically to a large family of followers. What do you think resonates most with your audience?
KP: I think being authentic about both my love for sports and my passion for creating awareness about diabetes has resonated with viewers across the world. I think my audience look to me for inspiration, for support, to feel ‘seen’ and to know that, like me, their story can be full of possibilities. And that inspires me to do more, to do better, and to continually push ahead to bring new formats of content and new voices to the fore.
Balancing and Managing
Q4. How do you balance the physical demands of sports commentary with managing a chronic condition like diabetes?
KP: Diabetes management eventually boils down to mindfulness and discipline. It is also important to be kind to yourself and listen to your body, especially on days when your sugars are fluctuating wildly – not many people know that the hormonal changes that your body experiences through the month can have a significant impact on your sugars, even if you’re doing everything right. On those days, it’s important to not lose hope and to remind yourself that this too shall pass. Being prepared can greatly reduce the stress of diabetes management – carrying your supplies to deal with low sugars, taking your insulin and medication on time, and getting enough rest even on busy days. All of these can come together to keep you focused and to minimise unexpected complications.
Q5. Can you share some common myths about Type 1 diabetes that you often encounter, and how you address them through your platform?
KP: The myths and misconceptions about diabetes are a big reason why I decided to pursue diabetes advocacy. Most people don’t even know that diabetes is of several types, and each type of diabetes calls for a dedicated, balanced approach. The role of insulin is misunderstood and it is often equated with failure – failure to be disciplined enough to stick to lifestyle approaches whereas, the truth is that for Type 1 diabetics such as me, our body simply doesn’t produce insulin at all. So, taking insulin injections is a non-negotiable part of our management. There’s also a lot of confusion about what foods are safe for diabetics to eat, how often they should eat, and whether or not they can engage in physically strenuous activities such as sports.
Katch Up With Kiara
Q6. Your podcast ‘Katch Up With Kiara’ covers various aspects of sports and health. Can you share a memorable episode that had a significant impact on your listeners?
KP: Several episodes are close to my heart from different reasons. One of my earliest episodes was with my father, Kiran Powar, with whom we had a freewheeling conversation about his experience as a parent dealing with a sudden diabetes diagnosis for his toddler just as he was preparing to leave for an important match, to his sports career from a professional cricket player to a selector and coach for new generations of sportspeople.
From a diabetes perspective, I was privileged to share my platform with Dr Shashank Joshi, a renowned endocrinologist and diabetologist and holistic health expert Luke Coutinho. Their diverse experiences and expertise converged to create a profound and very insightful conversation about diabetes, which I truly believe that every diabetic should carefully listen to. I am also very proud of my new show ‘Bat, Ball aur Baatein’, which brings together diverse voices of experts who shape the game and superfans for whom sports is akin to their lifeblood.
Q7. How do you see the role of sports and fitness in diabetes management and overall health awareness?
KP: Fitness is an important pillar in effective diabetes management. From helping control our sugars to helping weight management, the benefits are several. Even though I don’t play sports professionally any longer, fitness is still an essential part of my life and playing sports such as badminton, cricket and pickleball keeps my routine fresh, fun and invigorating. Additionally, I pack in strength training and boxing sessions every week for a more wholesome balance.
Journey
Q8. What support systems, including family or mentors, have been crucial in your journey?
KP: My parents have been invaluable pillars of support at every stage of my diabetes journey. They are as invested as me, if not more, in understanding diabetes management and in encouraging me to live life without limits. I’ve been through several ups and downs, whether as an athlete, taking up homeschooling, understanding the judgment and prejudice that comes from my peers, or even navigating the twists and turns that my condition imposes on my life. My parents’ have stood by my every decision while also supporting me with their strength and wisdom to make meaningful choices.
Q9. World Diabetes Day and Women’s Day are close—how do you hope your story inspires young women and people living with chronic conditions?
KP: There are nearly 30 million women living with diabetes in India. Women with diabetes are more prone to complications such as heart disease, blindness and depression. Gestational diabetes is also more common in South Asian women. However, timely interventions can not only make diabetes management simpler but can also enrich their quality of life. I hope my story inspires them to pursue their dreams relentlessly, while also navigating the curveballs life throws their way. As a diabetic, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that goals are malleable if we approach them with intention. My passion for sports took a completely different form than I’d ever imagined and gave me a vital platform to advocate for diabetics and sportspeople alike.
Future Plans
Q10. What are your future plans for diabetes advocacy and sports presenting? Any exciting projects in the pipeline?
KP: It is my pipeline dream to create a community that makes diabetes management and care more accessible to the underserved, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and India’s villages. An aspect of diabetes care that is rarely discussed is how expensive essentials – whether monitoring, insulin, medication or even the diet we’re meant to eat – can get. I hope to be instrumental in the creation of a fund that offers this vital, life-saving support to those who cannot afford it. On the sportscasting front, I am very excited about my two proprietary shows – Bat, Ball aur Baatein and Sports and the City. While one of these reimagines sports commentary in a fresh new format, the other looks beyond cricket to explore the various other sports that are part of the city’s fabric.
Closing
Kiara Powar’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and authenticity in overcoming challenges and inspiring others. Her unique blend of sports expertise and diabetes advocacy offers a refreshing, relatable perspective that breaks down barriers and builds awareness thoughtfully and creatively. At CXQuest.com, we believe that stories like Kiara’s not only raise critical awareness during occasions like World Diabetes Day and Women’s Day but also encourage a broader dialogue about inclusion, health empowerment, and the celebration of human spirit. We thank Kiara for sharing her insights and journey with us and invite our readers to join her inspiring movement for better understanding and acceptance of diabetes while rediscovering the magic of sports. Follow Kiara’s impactful journey on Instagram @katchupwith_kiara and stay connected for more inspiring stories on CXQuest.com.
