About KDO
A physician-led nonprofit preventing diabetes in Chicago.
Founded in 2017 in memory of Saifuddin Hiptullah Kisat by his daughter, Dr. Nuzhat Chalisa, KDO has spent a decade bringing free screenings and education to neighborhoods that need it most.
Our founder
Nuzhat Chalisa, MD, FACE
President & Founder · Clinical Endocrinologist
Dr. Chalisa is a Clinical Endocrinologist, Diabetes, and Obesity specialist. Her experience spans research and clinical practice across more than 22 years in the Chicago area. She serves as the Medical Director for Endocrinology and Diabetes Education at Morris Hospital & Health Care Center.
Our story, in her words
One in three people are expected to have diabetes by 2050. Diabetes is a chronic disease. It is not curable but certainly preventable and controllable through education, environmental changes, and a healthy lifestyle.
I have a vision for people with diabetes to lead a completely normal life. Managing diabetes is an art and requires motivation and strong determination. I am on a mission to prevent diabetes and its complications.
My name is Nuzhat Chalisa and I am a clinical Endocrinologist practicing in Chicago, IL. I have been managing patients with diabetes for the past 20 years. I was inspired to pursue medicine and attend medical school at a very young age after watching many of my family members suffer from diabetes. During my education and training, I lost several close family members to diabetes and its complications. This inspired me to enter the complicated and challenging field of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism — with the passion to improve the care and outcomes of people with diabetes.
My passion was further ignited, fueled, and intensified after I saw my own father suffering from complications of diabetes. I grieved with my family when doctors told us there was no choice but to remove both his limbs due to gangrene. Sadly, he passed away the day before the surgery could occur.
That day was a defining moment in my career. While I built a career around treating diabetes, preventing diabetes complications and educating those at risk became a new passion. I urge you to join me in this great cause, and to work towards preventing other daughters from watching their fathers suffer or losing them to complications.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
— Margaret Mead
Mission
To prevent diabetes and its complications through free community screenings, evidence-based education, and lifestyle support — for everyone who needs it.
Vision
A Chicago where no one's first conversation about diabetes happens after diagnosis — because every neighborhood has access to early screening and prevention.
Values
- • Free, always. Cost should never be the reason someone delays screening.
- • Physician-led. Every program is designed and overseen by clinicians.
- • Community-rooted. We meet people where they already gather.
- • Evidence-based. No fads. Just what the science supports.
Our team
Volunteers building a healthier Chicago
A clinical leader, a working board, and an extended team of nutritionists, physicians, and community volunteers.
Leadership
Nuzhat Chalisa, MD, FACE
President & Founder
Clinical Endocrinologist, Diabetes, and Obesity specialist with 22+ years of practice in the Chicago area. Medical Director for Endocrinology and Diabetes Education at Morris Hospital & Health Care Center. Author of Diabetes Beyond Numbers.
Education
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Nadia Khambati
Education
Develops nutrition and prevention curriculum for KDO's free community workshops.
Durdana Kisat Hiptullah
Education
Coordinates educational materials and health literacy outreach for the South Asian diaspora communities KDO serves.
Nazneen Kisat Sayla
Education
Leads volunteer training and educational content for community screening events.
Events
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Jamila Gunja
Events
Plans and executes KDO's monthly community screenings and the annual 5K Walk.
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Shabbir Kisat
Events
Manages event logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site operations.
Communications
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Fizza Kisat Gunja
Communications
Leads KDO's external communications, donor stewardship messaging, and media relations.
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Farah Chalisa
Communications
Manages digital channels, content distribution, and community engagement on Instagram and Facebook.
Operations
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Amaan Chalisa
Operations
Oversees organizational operations, infrastructure, and partner integrations.
Sponsorships
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Abbas Kisat Hiptullah
Sponsorships
Leads corporate sponsorship development and grant-funding pipeline for KDO.
Marketing
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Durriya Kisat Gunja
Marketing
Drives KDO's brand strategy, campaign planning, and outreach to new communities.
Transparency
Where your gift goes.
Kisat Diabetes Organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 82-1449539). We publish our annual report and IRS Form 990 each year so donors can see exactly how every dollar is spent.
Most recent fiscal year
Illustrative breakdown. Audited figures are published in the annual report.
Help us reach our next neighborhood.
Your gift funds the next free screening, the next workshop, the next prevented diagnosis.