This simple shift helps us live our values and create research that truly matters
By Prof Jane Speight, Dr Elizabeth Holmes-Truscott, and Alison Robinson
At the ACBRD, we believe in centring and amplifying lived experience voices, and recognising the invaluable contributions of people with diabetes. This has always been part of who we are. We are committed to reflecting on how we live this value in all that we do.
In the past eighteen months, we have made a simple change to the start of formal meetings, presentations and conferences. We start by acknowledging lived experience:
“We acknowledge all people with lived experience of diabetes, including anyone here today. People living with diabetes are the Why and the How of our shared research endeavours. We respect and value their expertise and generous contributions, which inform and improve research, to support advancements for all people affected by diabetes. It is a privilege to work with and for them.”
When we begin with a statement like the one above, we recognise that people with diabetes are more than our audience, research participants or even collaborators. We recognise that they are people who live with diabetes every day. They are the reason we are gathering, the reason we do what we do, and the reason we strive for better and more relevant solutions. They have expertise in diabetes that no textbook can teach.
Building trust through partnership
We hope that starting meetings in this way shares a clear message. It shows that we see people with diabetes as experts and partners, not patients or participants. It is our hope that this simple act will build trust, making people feel valued and more comfortable in the room. We want to make our meetings a safe space where people can share their experiences and understand their contributions will be valued. With trust, we build relationships that last.
When meetings begin by valuing lived experience, several things can happen:
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- We set a tone of respect for diverse expertise, including lived experience
- People with diabetes speak up more freely and recognise the value they bring
- Researchers ask better questions, with greater care
- Discussions focus on issues and problems that matter to those most affected
- Solutions are more practical and usable
Why do we talk about “privilege”?
When we say that working with people with diabetes is a privilege, we mean it. When someone shares their personal health experiences to improve research, they are giving something valuable. Whether by taking part in a study or leading community-driven research, these contributions are personal and make a real difference.
When people with lived experience help shape research questions and methods, the studies are more likely to address what matters to people living with diabetes. They can tell us if a new device is too bulky for their pocket, if an app interface is confusing, what it feels like when someone makes a comment on what they’re eating, or how a new medication will or will not work with a busy schedule. This leads to research that creates real improvements in people’s lives.
This acknowledgment helps researchers approach their work with the respect and responsibility it deserves.
How to do it
The words we use above are not the only option. Each person, team, or organisation may choose language that feels authentic to their context. We believe the acknowledgment should be:
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- Genuine: mean what you say
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- Specific: acknowledge lived experience directly
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- Respectful: recognise the generosity of sharing personal experiences
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- Thankful: show gratitude for the opportunity to work with and for people with diabetes
Respect and accountability
Impactful diabetes research happens when researchers and people with diabetes work together as partners. Starting meetings with an acknowledgment sets the tone for this partnership and reminds everyone that the goal is not publishing papers. The goal is to improve lives.
By acknowledging lived experience at the start of every meeting, we remind ourselves why we are doing this work and to whom we are accountable. When we start by recognising the wisdom that comes from lived experience, we create opportunities to truly serve and involve this community.
The next time you are in a diabetes research meeting, notice whether lived experience is acknowledged and valued. If it isn’t, consider suggesting this simple but powerful practice.
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