In an exclusive interview with You! Magazine, Mahnoor talks about her start-up and how it can benefits others in managing diabetes. Read on…
woman @ work
Mahnoor Rizwan is a dedicated entrepreneur. She is the CEO of ‘DiabEazy’, a healthcare start-up committed to revolutionising diabetes management in Pakistan. Mahnoor holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Iqra University. After her graduation, she joined the National Incubation Centre (NIC), where she continued to nurture the growth of DiabEazy. The company is also working on launching Pakistan’s first digital diabetes centre app, designed to empower individuals with tools for efficient health management.
Additionally, their comprehensive website serves as a one-stop platform, providing both in-house and outsourced diabetes-related products and resources. Mahnoor is one of the winners in the women empowerment category of the Shell 11th Tameer Awards 2024. In an exclusive interview with You! Magazine, Mahnoor talks about her start-up and how it can benefits others in managing diabetes. Read on…
What motivated you to launch your start-up?
The main motivation behind starting my own business came from my personal experience with Type 1 diabetes. Being diagnosed at the age of 9, I’ve faced the daily challenges of managing this condition. Over the years, I realised how limited the support and solutions were for people like me, especially when it comes to managing diabetes effectively in everyday life.
When I was in university, I worked on a project that aimed to address some of these gaps, and that’s when the idea for ‘DiabEazy’ was born. I realised that I could combine my own experiences with my business knowledge to create something that could truly make a difference for others facing similar challenges.
Why did you choose diabetes as your focus area?
I chose diabetes as the focus area for my start-up because of my personal connection to the condition. Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and yet it’s often misunderstood or underrepresented in terms of accessible solutions. I wanted to use my personal experience and my background in business to address this unmet need, and create something that could truly make a difference for others living with diabetes.
When did you officially launch your start-up?
While the initial idea for DiabEazy was developed as a university project in 2021, we took time to refine our offerings before fully launching. It wasn’t until 2024 that we became a post-revenue company and started offering our products and services to the public.
The response has been incredibly positive so far. People living with diabetes have expressed a great deal of appreciation for our solutions, especially because they address real pain points that are often overlooked. The market has been receptive to our approach, and we’ve seen strong demand for our products and services.
Can you explain what DiabEazy is all about?
DiabEazy aims to make diabetes management more accessible, convenient, and effective. It offers a range of products and services, including high-quality diabetic care essentials, locally manufactured insulin bags, and convenient glucose sachets.
We focus on offering innovative products and services that help with blood sugar management, daily tracking, and overall wellness for people living with diabetes. Our goal is not just to provide physical products, but to create a supportive community and ecosystem that encourages people with diabetes to live healthier, more empowered lives.
How do you feel about being one of the winners at recently held Tameer Awards?
Winning the Tameer Award is a huge validation of the impact we’ve started to make in the diabetes space, and it motivates me even more to continue pushing forward. This achievement is not just a reflection of my efforts, but also the commitment and support of my team, who have been instrumental in bringing the vision to life.
What do you like most about your work?
What I like most about my work is the impact that DiabEazy has on people’s lives. As someone who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for most of my life, I truly understand the challenges that come with managing the condition. Being able to create a business that provides practical solutions and support to others living with diabetes is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about building a company - it’s about building a community that empowers people to take control of their health.
What has been your most career-defining moment that you are proud of?
One of the most career-defining moments for me was winning the ‘Prime Minister’s National Innovation Award’ in 2023. Another proud moment came in 2024 when we won the ‘Shell Tameer Award’. These awards have reinforced my commitment to our mission, and they inspire me to keep striving for more, knowing that we are making a positive impact in the lives of people living with diabetes.
Did you encounter any challenges while setting up your start-up?
One of the major hurdles we encountered was limited funds in the early stages. As a new business, securing the capital needed to test our ideas, build our products, and grow our team was a challenge. But despite the financial constraints, we stayed focused on our mission and continued to work with the resources we had available.
What are some of the obstacles women entrepreneurs in Pakistan face?
One of the greatest obstacles is access to funding. Another significant challenge is balancing work and family responsibilities. Additionally, there’s often a lack of mentorship for women in business. Finally, there’s the gender bias that still exists in many professional settings. Women entrepreneurs can sometimes face scepticism or a lack of support simply because of their gender.
Any lessons learnt the hard way?
One lesson I’ve learned the hard way is the importance of patience and timing in business. Early on, I was eager to move quickly and scale things up without fully understanding the market dynamics. I quickly realised that success doesn’t come overnight, and building a sustainable business takes time, persistence, and careful planning.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My mornings usually start early. Once I’m in work mode, I usually start by reviewing the latest updates from the team, checking our ongoing projects, and prioritising tasks. Throughout the day, I also make time for meetings with potential partners, investors, or mentors. Even though I’m often working long hours, I always make sure to dedicate time to my family and personal life, because that balance is key to staying motivated and productive.
How do you unwind?
I often find peace in spending time with family and enjoying quiet moments at home, whether that’s having a cup of tea or watching a movie. I also enjoy reading. I love trying out new recipes and enjoying a good meal, especially with close friends and family around.
What is the most important advice you can give to women?
Believe in themselves and never underestimate their potential.
What are your future plans in terms of your work?
In terms of my work, my immediate future plans are centred on scaling DiabEazy to reach more people living with diabetes, both locally and globally. We’ve made significant strides so far, but there’s still so much more potential to unlock. I’m focusing on expanding our product offerings, enhancing the user experience, and ensuring that we continue to provide valuable resources to the diabetes community.
