JDRF Names Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar Global Ambassador for AAPI Month

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the tender age of five, Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar has become a significant figure in the fight against this chronic illness. Now, she has joined forces with JDRF, the leading global organization for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy, as their newest global ambassador. Princess Padmaja hails from the illustrious House of Mewar, the world's longest continuous royal dynasty, based in Udaipur, India.

JDRF announced this partnership on May 22, 2024, in New York. As a global ambassador for JDRF, Princess Padmaja will focus on raising awareness about T1D in both the United States and India. Her efforts will be highlighted this August when she leads an international meeting in Udaipur, bringing together T1D leaders, including clinicians, government officials, and non-governmental organizations.

Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D., JDRF’s chief scientific officer, expressed his excitement about Princess Padmaja’s involvement, praising her philanthropic spirit and determination to aid those struggling with T1D. Dutta emphasized the importance of improving care for T1D patients globally, which aligns with JDRF's mission.

According to the T1D Index, a novel data simulation tool that assesses the human and public health impact of T1D, India has the world's highest "missing" prevalence of the disease. This underscores the critical need for awareness and resources in the country.

Princess Padmaja has lived with T1D for nearly four decades and uses her personal experience to combat widespread misinformation about the disease. Her advocacy is driven not just by her journey but by the extensive misinformation she encounters. Through her work, she aims to educate the public and instill hope and confidence in those affected by T1D.

In addition to her new role with JDRF, Princess Padmaja is the founder of Friends of Mewar, a non-profit organization based in Boston. Established in 2013, this organization is dedicated to preserving Udaipur's cultural heritage, providing access to preventative healthcare, and promoting education and women's empowerment. Princess Padmaja splits her time between Boston and Udaipur and is married to Dr. Kush Parmar. The couple has two daughters, Rohitta and Chunanda.

JDRF's mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. Since its inception, JDRF has invested over $2.5 billion in research funding. The organization operates on a grassroots model, engaging local communities and collaborating regionally and globally to maximize fundraising impact and efficiency. JDRF partners with academic institutions, policymakers, corporate entities, and industry leaders to develop and deliver innovative therapies for T1D patients. Their staff and volunteers across the United States and five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and realizing a world without T1D.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the pancreas produces insufficient insulin, leading to a dependency on insulin therapy. If untreated, it can result in severe complications, including damage to vital organs and even death. T1D affects nearly 9 million people globally and can be diagnosed at any age, with about half of diagnoses occurring in adulthood. The exact causes of T1D are not fully understood, though genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Currently, there is no cure for T1D, making the work of organizations like JDRF and advocates like Princess Padmaja crucial.