Improving Diabetes Awareness and Care

Exploring ways to improve diabetes awareness, prevent diabetes in youth, and support long-term health.

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About Me

My name is Mahika Gupta

My name is Mahika, and I am a student at Agoura High School with a strong interest in healthcare, medical research, and community service. I have participated in medical volunteering, leadership activities, and research projects focused on improving healthcare outcomes and diabetes awareness.

My research includes studying liquid biopsy and pancreatic cancer detection through the analysis of over 30 scientific papers, which led to a research paper currently under review for publication. I have also explored innovative fields like CRISPR and stem-cell beta-cell regeneration to better understand new approaches to diabetes treatment and insulin restoration.

Through volunteering in healthcare settings, I have gained hands-on experience working with patients and supporting medical teams.

Through my platform, Mindful Diabetes Care, my goal is to raise awareness about diabetes, encourage healthier habits, and inspire more students to explore healthcare and medical research.

My Mission

Mindful Diabetes aims to raise awareness about diabetes and empower people to prevent and self-manage it effectively. We promote healthy habits, mindful living, and early detection for a healthier life. Through educational content and community activities, it encourages people to take small steps toward a healthier life.

Research

Liquid Biopsy in Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

Researched how liquid biopsy can help detect pancreatic cancer early under Professor Prahlad Parajuli. Wrote a 7,000 word paper after reviewing over 30 studies on topics, such as ctDNA, KRAS mutations, PLF, and CTCs. Studied the challenges doctors face in diagnosis and explored new ways to detect the disease earlier. The research paper has been accepted for publication and will be published by the end of August in the International Journal of High School Research (IJHSR).

Leadership

Founder – Voices & Perspectives
Club

At Agoura High School, founded a student club that encourages open discussions on global topics. Lead monthly meetings with over 15 students, guide conversations, promote respectful dialogue, and work with a team to plan engaging club sessions.

AACI: Clinical Informatics

Represent Agoura High School in team competitions and for Medical Terminology, where I work with my teammates to learn and apply medical skills while building teamwork and communication skills.

HOSA – Future Health Professionals

Future Health Professionals by learning about medical terms and basic clinical concepts, taking part in leadership activities, and competing in healthcare events.

Varsity Girls Golf Team

Compete on the Varsity Girls Golf Team, showing strong discipline, teamwork, and commitment through regular practice and training.

Honors and Awards

NCWIT Rising Star, (February 2026)

Received the NWICT Rising Star award in February 2026 for students exploring computing. Created a simulation of the Uber Eats app with similar ordering features, showing creativity and problem-solving skills.

3rd Place: Medical Abbreviations, AACI California State Competition (March 2026)

Received 3rd place in Medical Abbreviations during AACI's California State Competition. Recognized for strong knowledge of medical abbreviations in a competitive statewide healthcare competition.

Top 20 — Phlebotomy, HOSA State Leadership Conference (2026)

Placed Top 20 in Phlebotomy at the HOSA State Leadership Conference, demonstrating knowledge of blood collection procedures and patient safety.

Certifications & Skills

CPR certification (Nov 2025)

EMR certification (May 2026)

Taekwondo – 2nd Degree Black Belt (2nd Dan) | Masters United (2017–Present)

Kathak Dance – Level 1 Certification| Kathak Kala Academy (2023–Present)

Past and Upcoming Events

Blogs

The Power of Mindfulness in Managing Diabetes Stress

Stress itself can make diabetes harder to manage. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that can raise blood sugar levels. Poor sleep can also affect blood sugar and make diabetes harder to control. Mental health and diabetes are closely connected. The stress from diabetes can make diabetes more difficult to manage. This is why mindfulness and support are so important. Another hidden challenge of diabetes is continuous decision making. People living with diabetes

The Hidden Stress of Diabetes

Diabetes is not just about sugar levels. It revolves around feelings, worry, tension, and the beginning of a new life. When someone is diagnosed with diabetes, their life changes. The choices they make in their lifestyle now help determine their sugar levels. Diabetes is a chronic condition, meaning it is long-term, but it is also a way of living. At first, the change may feel overwhelming. Everything feels new and different. But once a routine is built, things begin to run s

Why I chose to advocate for control of Diabetes?

Diabetes is not just a medical condition. It is a constant, lifelong responsibility that affects both physical health and emotional well-being. For those living with it, there is no pause, no “off” switch. Every decision, from food to activity to rest, requires awareness and balance. True diabetes care goes beyond numbers; it requires understanding the person behind them. A happy kid walks into a classroom, lighting up the room with his smile. A sensor on his arm and a gluc