Fawad Khan opens up on diabetes diagnosis, depression, personal philosophy

Fawad Khan, the acclaimed actor, revealed insights into his childhood, the hardships he encountered with diabetes, and his personal perspective on life in an open and sincere conversation with FreeStyle Middle East. The Pakistani hunk, known for his diverse on-screen performances, shared an insight inside his life away from the spotlight.

On his childhood

Khan described his childhood as “pretty alright” and stressed its normalcy. “I had a pretty good childhood.” That was very routine, nothing out of the ordinary. Karachi is where I was born. My father’s business required us to move frequently when I was six months old, so I spent two years in Athens before relocating to Dubai and then Riyadh. Then, during the Gulf War, we spent some time in Manchester. After that, we relocated to Lahore and settled.”

“I went to Lahore Grammar School (LGS) and after schooling, I got admitted into a computer college where we learned about Computer Sciences,” Khan continued. We had an underground band at the time, which is where it all began. Actually, I began my acting career in my first year of college, but it was not very common at the time. With a monthly income of Rs12000, it was more of a pastime. I thought I was the wealthiest student in the class… We had a gang, and we’d collect Rs10, 15 from everyone to go out for a burger or anything. “I remember my college and school fondly.”

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On diabetes

During the conversation, Khan also discussed the difficulties he encountered after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 17. “When I was 17 years old, my body went through an auto-immune response,” Khan explained. “I had a high fever for eight days, and as a result, I lost around ten kilogrammes of body weight.” I used to weigh 65kg and dropped to 55kg at the age of 17.”

He described how his diagnosis was prompted by abrupt weight loss, intense thirst, and frequent urination. Khan has been using insulin to manage his diabetes for the past 24 years, and he recalls the early impact it had on his energy levels and interest in sports. Despite the inconvenience of constantly carrying insulin, Khan did not let diabetes limit his objectives or stop his desire. “My thirst grew significantly; it is a condition known as polyuria, which means you go to the toilet frequently and have a constant urge to urinate since you are drinking a lot of water…I’d be drinking six to seven litres of water and my mouth would still be dry from dehydration.”

Because of the symptoms, the Kapoor & Sons star underwent blood sugar tests and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. “I’ve been on insulin since I was 17, and I’m 41 now, so it’s been a career in diabetes for 24 years,” Khan continued, smiling. When asked about the effects of diabetes on his life, he stated, “I was very active in school, played every sport, and after diabetes, it went to zero.” My interest in athletics had completely gone. For the first two to three months, I had little interest and was constantly fatigued.” Khan admitted that having to give insulin at such a young age and carry it with him at all times was a “constant inconvenience” at school, but he did not consider diabetes to “handicap” him despite its “limitations.”

When asked about the emotional impact of his diagnosis, Khan stated that it had a greater impact on his father than on himself. “To be honest, it didn’t hit me as hard as it hit my father when I was in the hospital,” he admitted. “My father is an emotionally stable individual. My mother believes it’s only the second time, after his sibling died and now this. He stated, “If he doesn’t want to do anything in life, that’s fine, no problems.”

On personal philosophy and depression

Khan illuminated the power of belief. “I firmly believe in this saying; I might not be an ideal Muslim, but I believe that when God closes one door, He will surely open a hundred others,” he said. I consider myself to be really fortunate. I don’t believe I did too badly considering where I am now. “I think I did well for myself.”

The conversation also discussed the link between depression and diabetes. Khan emphasised the interaction between the two, recognising the cyclical nature of triggers. “It’s like the chicken and egg problem,” he explained. What causes what, and it’s a loop. If you have the desire to pursue something in your life, leave diabetes; even cancer cannot stop you.” “Here’s what it is,” Khan remarked, pointing to his head. This is what distinguishes you.”