Episode 95 - 'We are different but not less' - How Moataz Hisham is helping young people to open up about type 1 diabetes

Moataz Hisham is a full-time engineer, part-time fitness coach and unofficial diabetes superhero for young people with type 1 diabetes in Egypt.
 
Childhood in Alexandria was interrupted when Moataz was diagnosed with type 1 in 1997 at the age of 11, but his pharmacist parents quickly helped him to adapt to not only the physical challenges of type 1 diabetes, but the psychological difficulties too.

Despite this incredible support and unwavering inner resilience, Moataz spent years hiding his type 1 from his friends due to misconceptions he faced from his peers. It would take until 2018 and a DKA experience for him to reach the final acceptance stage of what he calls ‘The 5 Phases of Diabetes’. Throwing himself into research, education and Crossfit, Moataz found new strength to open up about his condition. Using just his phone, he launched an online format called ‘Diabetips’ from his son’s bedroom in 2022 to share some of this wisdom.
 
But in a very short amount of time, the platform evolved far beyond that bedroom. ‘Diabetetips Talks’ is now a professional studio production in which Moataz interviews young people with type 1 diabetes to make sure children living with the condition can see themselves reflected, showcasing what he describes as ‘the unbreakable human spirit of young people living the diabetes journey’.
 
This is such an interesting and inspiring episode. Moataz lights up when he talks about sharing stories with young people, empowering children with type 1 diabetes AND their parents to understand that ‘we are different, not less.’ 

CONNECT WITH MOATAZ
Check out Diabetips Talks on YouTube.
Say hi to Moataz on Instagram.