This National Diabetes Week we are getting to know some of our Community Representatives better!
Those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are an important part of all the research that we do at the Children's Diabetes Centre. Their real-life experiences and knowledge contribute to the improvement of clinical practice and ensures that the research conducted and the outcomes achieved are meaningful.
Our Consumer Representatives, who work across individual projects as well as being embedded in our governance structure, share their experiences with our research teams so their voices can be considered, recognised, valued and create impact for not only our research, but for the children and families living with T1D in Australia.
Find out why Leah came to be involved in our research as a Consumer Representative and what this year's National Diabetes Week theme "Stronger Together" means to her.
Why are you so passionate about T1D research?
When you live with a chronic condition like T1D, almost every decision you make each day is centred around your diabetes. From the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, you're constantly making decisions that affect your health. Living with that reality naturally makes you want to understand the condition better and find ways to improve life for others.
That's what led me to research. Alongside my lived experience, studying Public Health has given me a broader understanding of how research can improve health outcomes and influence healthcare beyond the individual. I enjoy bringing both perspectives together when working with researchers and clinicians because I believe lived experience and research are strongest when they work together.
I've also been fortunate to have some wonderful mentors who have supported and encouraged me along the way, and who have genuinely valued and listened to lived experience. I think the best research happens when the people living with the condition are involved in shaping it from the beginning.
What’s it like being a Consumer Representative with the Centre?
Being a Consumer Representative has been a really positive experience. One of the things I value most is the opportunity to connect with other people who genuinely understand life with T1D. There is a real sense of peer support within the group, and it's reassuring to be surrounded by researchers, clinicians and other consumer representatives who all share the same goal of improving outcomes for children and families living with t1d.
I like being part of a Centre where people with lived experience have a seat at the table and can contribute to the direction of research. It's great to know that our experiences are genuinely listened to and can help shape research that has the potential to make a real difference.
What do you hope will come from being involved?
I hope my involvement helps ensure that research continues to reflect the real experiences and priorities of people living with type 1 diabetes and their families. I'd also love to see more people with lived experience become involved in research, because our perspectives are just as important as clinical and academic expertise. If my contribution helps shape research that leads to better care, better support, or encourages someone else living with type 1 diabetes to get involved in research, then I think that's a really positive outcome.
This year’s National Diabetes Week theme is “Stronger Together”, what does this mean to you?
To me, "Stronger Together" is about recognising that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Whether it's people living with type 1 diabetes, families, researchers, clinicians or health professionals, we all bring different perspectives and experiences. When we listen to one another and work together, we create better research, better care and ultimately better outcomes for people living with diabetes.
First published Monday 13 July 2026.
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