FFB Foundation Ambassadors

Watrahyel “Watty” Mshelia is a public health graduate and diabetes advocate. She works to improve health education and the day-to-day experience of people living with chronic conditions.

Watty was diagnosed with diabetes as a teenager. Since then, she has learned to manage a lifelong condition while building a full life.

Later, an accident left her with a broken leg and months of limited mobility. It brought new challenges on top of managing her diabetes.

What does life look like after a diabetes diagnosis?

In this video, Watty talks about living with diabetes, recovering from her accident, and the parts of chronic illness that other people rarely see.

In 2021, Mukhtar Modibbo noticed that something wasn’t right. He was always thirsty, urinating often and losing weight. A blood sugar test at a clinic, followed by an HbA1c test, confirmed he had Type 2 diabetes.

His life changed. He gave up Coke, ate more vegetables and adjusted to daily medication. He also faced painful nerve symptoms in his hands and feet, and the cost of treatment and healthy food.

Today, Mukhtar manages his condition, works and cares for his young family. As an FFB Foundation Ambassador, he uses his story to encourage others to get screened and make healthier choices.

His message is simple: “Diabetes is not a death sentence.” And to everyone else: “Prevent yourself so that you will not be in our story.”

Watch his story.