After being diagnosed with diabetes at 64, Tikaram Pandey’s life took an unexpected turn. His commitment to a healthier life and the support from the local Female Community Health Volunteer shaped how he self-manages diabetes, inspiring not only his family but the entire community.
Nestled in the picturesque city of Pokhara, Nepal, 70-year-old Tikaram Pandey lives with his wife, their son, daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren. Six years ago, when he got diagnosed with diabetes at 64, his life took an unexpected turn.
‘My mouth used to get dry, and I went to Kalpana for a check. She said I had diabetes. Since then, she has visited me often," Tikaram recalls, referring to Kalpana, the local Female Community Health Volunteer (FCHV).
With the help of Kalpana, who lives close to his home, Tikaram has been able to manage his diabetes and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
‘She usually comes twice a month and checks for my blood pressure and sugar levels, and she asks me to stay clean and clean the house," he shares. Kalpana's regular guidance on hygiene and diet has contributed to his improved well-being.
‘Everybody in the house knows what to eat and what not to eat to stay healthy.’ He keeps everyone informed, particularly since his son was also diagnosed with diabetes.
Most of his learning comes from the FCHV, who counselled him on diabetes management, such as eating more greens and food in small portions and exercising.
‘I was living a carefree life before. After the diagnosis, I started eating healthy’, he shares. Now yoga, daily brisk walks and even dancing are an integral part of Tikaram's routine. ‘I started to dance a lot. I had no idea how to dance, but now I do it every day," he shares with a smile.
His commitment to staying active and eating healthy inspired not only his family, but the tenants in his household to adopt these habits, too.
Tikaram knows that diabetes can lead to complications. After getting the diagnosis, he was worried about what to do or not do anymore. That felt like a shock to him. ‘I am still a bit afraid because the disease might lead to other conditions'. However, he feels confident that with regular check-ups and treatment, he can continue living a fulfilling life.
Outside his home, a vibrant garden shows the family's dedication to self-sustainability. Tikaram proudly shares, ‘Since I built this house, I grew this garden and I have always planted vegetables: beans, carrots, cabbage, greens, onions.’ His wife cooks nutritious meals for the family.
Read more: Female community health volunteers in rural Nepal lead the way to healthier communities
A former teacher who now spends time helping his community with building roads or other social work, Tikaram is also an advocate for diabetes awareness.
For the past four years, he joined WDF's Global Diabetes Walk campaign every year, participating in the local activities organised by the Nepal Development Society.
He is excited when the community, and especially the children, fondly call him ‘Pandey-Ba’ or ’knowledgeable grandfather’: ‘Everybody claps when they see me then, they shout “Pandey-Ba is here!” I like that.’
With a chuckle, Tikaram asks us for "magical medicine" to eradicate diabetes. ‘I want to live 100 years!’.
With the continued support of the FCHV, his family, and his commitment, Tikaram Pandey exemplifies how a positive approach can help someone overcome diabetes challenges and lead a healthier life.
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Tikaram Pandey and Kalpana, the FCHV mentioned in the story, have both been part of the WDF-supported pilot Diabetes prevention and management by lay workers in Nepal (WDF16-1441), completed in 2022. A scale-up was launched in spring 2024 (WDF20-1780), aiming to expand the outcomes and the impact of female community health workers.