The power of advocacy and sharing your voice

At the risk of sounding dramatic, the power of collective advocacy can be life changer! 

While I was aware of the existence of the diabetes community, living it and experiencing it is something entirely different than being a conscious observer of it. 

The #dedoc° voices attended EASD 2023 scientific conference as diabetes patient advocates. Source: Helga Nefdt

Diabetes is a lifelong companion: it’s a relationship that many of us face with courage and determination. It's a journey filled with ups and downs (no pun intended), and it's a path that can be made easier through diabetes advocacy, stepping into community and sharing your voice. 

Discovering diabetes advocacy has been a powerful teaching moment in my life. 

From observer to advocate: diving into the world of diabetes advocacy  

Two years ago, I was a conscious observer when it came to diabetes advocacy on social media. I believed that my contribution would be diluted in the vast sea of information and voices. I've always been somewhat at odds with sharing what I do and living with diabetes on a public platform. Stuck between the narratives that our stewardship and service to others is not necessarily about standing on a platform and talking about, versus using the platforms available to us to be able to raise awareness and bring about change. 

Diabetes advocate and #dedoc° voice Helga Nefdt from South Africa spoke at the #dedoc° symposium. She shared her experience of living with type 2 diabetes and the stigma she faced. Source: Helga Nefdt

However, over time, I've come to embrace the notion that sharing one's work and advocacy, no matter how we do it, is both a way of paying it forward and a way of reaching even one person. Our experiences, challenges and triumphs can be a source of great inspiration and support for others in the diabetes community, as well as a way to welcome those living with diabetes into community. It makes an impactful contribution to innovation, research and development. 

Attending EASD 2023 as a #dedoc° voice 

As a recipient of the #dedoc° voices scholarship, I was not prepared for the indelible mark it would leave on me. The opportunity to speak about my lived experience at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) this year proved that the discomfort I had previously felt was worth it to finally find my voice and realise that it indeed has purpose. 

It was no small thing. 

While preparing to speak at the #dedoc° symposium at EASD, I realised that almost two decades of lived experience had to be compressed into a 5-minute talk: while a humbling experience, could sharing a brief moment of my life be impactful? 

What struck me most during this experience was the power of community. The diabetes community is diverse, with talented and gifted individuals. We all bring our own uniqueness, and everyone integrates this into their advocacy in different ways. Some express their voice through speech, while others support policy reform and creation. Some share their professional expertise, some make a difference in their local communities through education, and some even turn to their artistic abilities, using their gift of being able to see the funny side of diabetes to bring laughter to those around them! 

Diabetes advocacy: we all have unique voices

The key take-away here is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to advocacy. Every form of expression is a meaningful engagement, be it through technology, innovation, research, art, comedy, shared experiences, and community-based projects, regardless of their scale. 

The #dedoc° voices were visited by Chantal Mathieu, Vice President of EASD, at the #dedoc° booth during the conference. Source: Helga Nefdt

Advocacy and sharing your voice in the diabetes community is not about being the loudest or most prominent figure. It's about contributing in your own unique way and leveraging your strengths and talents to make a difference. Each and every voice has its place whether by raising awareness, supporting others, or inspiring positive change. 

It all holds significance. It all leaves impact. 

Advocacy and sharing your voice are powerful tools that enable us to connect, inspire, and bring about meaningful change. 

Embrace your unique way of contributing, because in this journey, we're all in it together. 

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