Sue's story
For over 36 years, Sue Pearson has been passionately involved as a volunteer for Diabetes Auckland and then Diabetes New Zealand. Sue is our longest-serving volunteer, becoming involved after her diagnosis with type 1 in 1984. Sue’s first experience of being involved promoting awareness about diabetes was when she walked three-legged for 13 miles with a man who had type 1 diabetes in fancy dress!
Since 1989, Sue has volunteered her time, energy and personal experience to support people living with diabetes. Her motivation has always been simple: to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
Sue’s contribution has been wide-reaching. Sue was Vice President, then acting President of Diabetes New Zealand and for a period was General Manager of Diabetes Auckland. Sue is a life member of Diabetes New Zealand.
In her volunteer capacity she has established and coordinated diabetes support groups in Auckland to provide connection, education and practical guidance for people living with diabetes. She has also spent time writing resources, editing one of our magazines, organising youth camps and even gave a speech at the International Diabetes Federation Congress in Helsinki.
She is passionate about appropriate education for people with diabetes in a language they understand, as well as pushing education away from blame, as she believes it is counterproductive.
‘Blame is one thing I try to protect our members from. I always say, if you go off track with your management, just remember tomorrow is another day. I try and encourage, because sometimes people feel like they’re a failure.
Sue’s responsibilities have included organising meetings, providing caring and sharing discussion groups, inviting educational speakers, offering one-on-one support, and maintaining communication. She has been a vital contact for individuals, offering reassurance and lived-experience knowledge. Over the decades, she has liaised and represented consumers on health forums, community organisations, as well as Diabetes organisations to ensure that local support aligns with best practice and remains accessible to everyone who needs it.
What sets Sue apart is the depth of her knowledge, empathy and the consistency of her commitment. Living with Type 1 diabetes, and joint author of a book on Type 2 diabetes, she brings lived understanding and a positive attitude. Countless individuals have expressed how her guidance helped them through diagnosis, adjustment, and ongoing management. Sue has established safe spaces where people can learn, share experiences, and feel genuinely supported.
Her longevity of service is extraordinary, but so too is her impact. Sue has volunteered thousands of hours organising meetings, maintaining networks, representing people with diabetes, advocating for members, and ensuring that vital peer-support structures remain strong. Her contribution has strengthened community resilience, enhanced health literacy, and provided support for generations of people with diabetes.
When asked why she does what she does, Sue’s reply, “I really enjoy seeing people flourish and become more confident – I get a buzz when they start to understand their condition more and when it suddenly clicks for them.”