Our Consumer Representatives are an important part of our Centre, ensuring the real-life experiences of those living with T1D is considered in our work.
What led you to become a Consumer Representative and why?
With a husband and two daughters living with T1D, diabetes has been a constant presence in our household for 25 years. Having seen the benefit that advancements in technology has on diabetes management, I leapt at the opportunity to be able to provide some input into the development of systems and processes that will improve management and health outcomes even further.
What do you hope will come from being involved?
Any new system or process that helps build understanding around diabetes or enables better management is a win, not only for those impacted directly but also their families. I hope that giving the view of a mother and wife who watches others live withT1D will in some small way ensure that the great work being done continues to be user-friendly and provide direct benefits to those it is designed to help.
What have you been involve in so far?
It has been fascinating watching the DiabHQ project as it comes to life. A single system that helps families, clinicians and researchers in ways they each need is ground breaking. Developing such a system in a way where data and privacy is respected and secured is incredibly complex, so it’s been great to be able to ask questions to gain confidence around system development. Seeing an early version of the system brings real hope that data-driven insights will help move researchers even closer to a better management opportunities or (hopefully!) a cure.
The Centre is very lucky to have Jo as a Consumer Representative. Her passion and dedication to helping our researchers find new and better ways of managing type 1 diabetes is definitely making a difference to our studies.
If you or someone you know would like to become a Consumer Representative and help make a difference, reach out to our Community Involvement Coordinator at community@childrensdiabetesresearch.org.au to find out more.