This story is part of our 10-year anniversary celebration, honoring the many ways in which families, caregivers, communities, and health systems come together to care.

For Archana More, fatigue, dizziness, and chest pains had become unwelcome, yet familiar companions. On days when the symptoms were unbearable, she would visit the hospital for medication that provided her temporary relief. Not thinking too much of it, Archana had learned to dismiss the warning signs, treating them as another part of her daily life. 

A visit to the Nashik Civil Hospital in Maharashtra, India, changed this. Here, Archana’s uncle was being treated for high blood pressure and diabetes, and like many Indian families, she and her relatives took turns caring for him. During one visit, while giving him his medications and lunch, Archana stumbled upon something unexpected: a training session led by hospital nurses. It was part of Noora Health’s Care Companion Program, where nurses were teaching patients and families how to recognize and monitor the telltale signs of diabetes and hypertension.

When Archana heard the nurses describing the symptoms — dizziness, sweating, palpitations, and blurred vision — she realized that these weren’t random health complaints, but the very signs she had been dismissing for months. “After hearing about the symptoms, I panicked and went straight to my family doctor,” she recalls. Subsequent tests confirmed what she suspected: She had both diabetes and hypertension.

Though the diagnosis was initially overwhelming, Archana is now grateful for the information that helped her finally understand what she was going through.

“On both my parents’ side, we have a family history of diabetes and hypertension. Getting a diagnosis and starting treatment on time has allowed me to manage my health. Ignoring it could have led to serious consequences in the future,” she reflects. What began as a chance encounter while caring for her uncle, marked a turning point in her own health journey. 

Today, Archana’s life follows a new rhythm. Beyond taking medications and managing her meals, she has embraced a more active lifestyle, starting her day with morning walks, practicing yoga, and attending dance classes. As a mother of two young girls, she understands that managing her health isn’t just about herself, but also about her family. “No matter how busy or hectic things get, I always prioritize my health above everything else,” she says.

She also continues to subscribe to Noora Health’s WhatsApp follow-up service, finding its resources invaluable for managing both her own health and her husband’s diabetes. “The stories and videos shared help me connect with and understand the symptoms better,” she says. “I put myself in each story and learn what steps to take.”

Drawing on her own experience, Archana now encourages everyone — especially those with similar symptoms — to prioritize regular check-ups and early screenings. By sharing her story with her family and neighbors, she hopes to inspire others not to ignore warning signs or rely only on temporary relief. “Otherwise,” she reflects, “I would have just kept ignoring it and switching medications, missing the chance to get better.”

A special thanks to Dr. Gurneet Kaur Bedi for bringing this story to life, and to Krishnabh Thengal for the illustration!