At the heart of the video are stories from Jonas and a diverse cast of athletes, advocates and artists, each challenging a common misconception about diabetes. From sports and careers to family and identity, the message is clear: Go beyond the misconceptions.Go beyond the limits. Go beyond what you were told.
"For the past decade, Beyond Type 1 has been changing the story around diabetes," said Jonas. "This video is personal to me because it shows the strength of our community and proves that life with diabetes is full of possibilities. A diagnosis doesn't define you; it can inspire you to go beyond."
The video calls out persistent myths, including beliefs that people with diabetes can't eat or drink sugar, play sports, or have a healthy pregnancy. Such misconceptions fuel stigma, and the campaign pushes back with real stories that prove otherwise.
"Stigma doesn't just shape how the world sees diabetes – it shapes how people see themselves, often leading to isolation, silence, and even delayed care," said Deborah Dugan, CEO of Beyond Type 1. "This campaign is meant to spark connection. We hope people with diabetes feel seen and tell their own stories because every story helps rewrite the narrative and break down stigma."
In addition to Jonas, the video features:
- Billy Porter, Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award winner, who lives with type 2 diabetes
- Adonai Mitchell, football star, who lives with type 1 diabetes
- Sam Morrison, comedian, who lives with type 1 diabetes
- Pietro Marsala, first FAA-approved insulin-dependent commercial pilot
- Lauren Bongiorno, diabetes advocate and CEO of Risely Health
The video also includes cameos from actress Punam Patel and journalist/podcaster Liz Plank. It was co-written by Sam Morrison and Hari Kondabolu, executive produced by Michael Morris, directed by Shruti Ganguly, and produced by Honto 88.
Watch "Beyond the Misconceptions" now on YouTube and follow Beyond Type 1 on Instagram and TikTok to join the conversation.
About Beyond Type 1
Beyond Type 1 is a global nonprofit changing what it means to live with diabetes, serving the world's largest digital diabetes community. Co-founded by Nick Jonas and Juliet de Baubigny in 2015, we provide tools, education, and support to help people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes survive, thrive, and drive innovation toward prevention and cures. Visit BeyondType1.org to learn more.
CONTACT: [email protected]
SOURCE Beyond Type 1
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