Putting Wellbeing at the Heart of Diabetes Care
In partnership with Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation, Diabetes Victoria hosted the inaugural Professor Trisha Dunning Annual Lecture in recognition of World Diabetes Day.
The lecture series celebrates the legacy of the late Emeritus Professor Trisha Dunning AM, a trailblazer in diabetes care and education in Australia and internationally.
Professor Jane Speight gave the first lecture in the annual series. In line with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) theme for World Diabetes Day, this year’s lecture focused on putting wellbeing at the heart of diabetes care.
Professor Speight celebrated Professor Dunning’s remarkable contributions to diabetes care, with a focus on the importance she placed on her pioneering work in person-centred approaches, her careful attention to language, and clinical guidelines. She dedicated her career to advocating for a holistic approach that addresses not just the physical, but also the emotional and social aspects of living with diabetes.
In her presentation, Professor Speight highlighted the critical need to support people with diabetes in navigating their health journeys with dignity and compassion – a philosophy championed by Professor Dunning throughout her life.
Professor Speight’s presentation encouraged people to think about:
- What do we mean by well-being?
- Why is well-being important?
- Would people with diabetes flourish if we focused more on their well-being?
- What would diabetes care look like if promotion people’s well-being was our main aim?
Her presentation focused on the progress made over the past 30 years to protect and maintain the well-being of people with diabetes. She also spoke about remaining challenges and opportunities in this area.
This annual lecture series, inaugurated in memory of Professor Dunning, ensures her vision remains at the forefront of diabetes care in Australia and beyond. Diabetes Victoria is proud to collaborate with Deakin University in advancing this mission.
We recognise and thank Professor Speight, Foundation Director of the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD) for her excellent and thought-provoking lecture. We also thank the Institute for Health Transformation (IHT) and all attendees who joined us in person and online.
Together, we continue striving for a future where diabetes can do no harm.
Professor Jane Speight
Professor Jane Speight is Foundation Director of The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD). Jane has a well-established portfolio of applied research focused on the behavioural, psychological and social aspects of diabetes. The overall aim of her work is to improve both the health and quality of life of people living with, or affected by, diabetes.
Watch the webinar
Putting wellbeing at the heart of diabetes care