Auckland Diabetes Advocate Shares Powerful Message on Global Stage
DexCom, Inc., a global leader in glucose health for people living with diabetes, is pleased to share that a young Auckland advocate is making waves on the world stage, using her voice to tackle stigma, build community, and push for greater equity in diabetes care.
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just eight years old, Laura Snowden has channeled her lived experience into advocacy and leadership. Now a Master of Professional Accounting student and dedicated volunteer with Diabetes New Zealand, she recently returned from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, where she was invited to speak alongside global experts and advocates.
As a graduate of the IDF Young Leaders in Diabetes programme (representing Diabetes NZ), Laura spoke to an audience of hundreds on the role of people living with diabetes and their involvement in policy making. She also shared the journey Diabetes NZ and the diabetes community have been on since 2019 to fund continuous glucose monitors, highlighting social media advocacy and storytelling to petitions, which included direct engagement with Parliament.
“To stand in front of a global audience and speak about what our community achieved together was surreal,” said Laura. “Just a few years ago, I struggled to even talk about my diagnosis. Now, I’m helping shape conversations about the future of diabetes care.”
Her powerful reflections resonated with delegates from across the world and reinforced the importance of youth-led advocacy in challenging stigma and misinformation. Laura now serves as the Western Pacific Regional Representative for the Young Leaders in Diabetes programme, where she supports other young advocates across the region.
Laura is also a Dexcom Warrior, part of a global initiative by medical technology company Dexcom that celebrates and supports people with diabetes who are using their voices to raise awareness, share their stories, and challenge outdated stereotypes.
“Speaking up matters. Growing up, I felt like I had to hide my diabetes. Now I know that sharing our stories can change lives and policy.”
Laura’s next goal is to work alongside Diabetes NZ with the development of a Youth Leadership programme to equip young people with the skills and confidence to lead — not just within the diabetes community, but beyond.
With almost 350,000 people in New Zealand living with diabetes, Laura believes advocacy, education and access must remain front and centre.1
“No one should feel ashamed to live with diabetes. We need to keep showing up, speaking out, and backing each other locally and globally.”
