At Diabetes Action Canada (DAC), we know that research is about more than data—it’s about people, their lived experiences, and the hope for a better future. This guiding principle was at the heart of our first-ever DAC Patient Partners Holiday Gathering, where we watched The Human Trial and came together to discuss our hopes and dreams for the future of diabetes research and care.

A Community of Diverse Voices

Our gathering brought together an incredible range of perspectives:

• Lived experience of T1D, T2D, gestational diabetes
• Loved experience of MODY, T2D, T1D
• Labored experience in research and allied health
• Learned experience in biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and more

This rich diversity underscored the strength of the DAC patient partner community. Together, we reflected on the progress being made and the work that lies ahead.

Gratitude and Hope

Throughout the discussion, one sentiment rang clear: gratitude. Gratitude for the researchers and clinicians working tirelessly to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Gratitude for the power of storytelling in The Human Trial, which gave a face to the struggles and triumphs of those seeking better treatments. And gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions of everyone who participates in the journey of research—whether as clinical trial participants or as patient partners helping to shape the future of care and innovation.

Patient participation and partnership are both profound acts of generosity, each with its own kind of sacrifice. As a community, we deeply value the efforts of everyone who contributes, whether by sharing their story, collaborating on research protocols, or providing insights that make studies more patient-centered.

The Power of Storytelling

The evening also highlighted the importance of creative forms of knowledge mobilization. It’s one thing to read a paper about cell therapy or a clinical trial; it’s another to watch a film that captures not only the science but the human experiences, hopes, and challenges behind it.

Creative storytelling, like The Human Trial, has a unique ability to convey what numbers alone never could. It allows us to connect on a deeper level and appreciate the far-reaching potential impacts of research, reminding us of the humanity at the heart of the work we do.

The Role of DAC

As we listened to these reflections, it became clear how DAC can continue to support this vision. The DAC community plays a critical role in:

• Helping researchers understand what to study by elevating patient priorities.
• Supporting grant applications with patient-informed insights.
• Co-designing protocols that reflect real-world needs and barriers.
• Advising on the composition and function of advisory committees.

DAC is uniquely positioned to connect researchers with patient partners at every stage, ensuring that the lived realities of people impacted by diabetes are at the center of research design, execution, and translation.

A Call to Action: The 4Ls

As we look toward 2025, we invite everyone in our community to join us in shaping a brighter future for diabetes care and research:

• Lived experience: Share your story and help researchers understand what truly matters in the lives of people living with diabetes. Your voice can shape the priorities and direction of research.
• Loved experience: Use your perspective as a family member, friend, or caregiver to help inform what matters most for those you care about and support. Your input is vital to ensuring that research reflects the broader diabetes community.
• Laboured experience: If you work in healthcare, research, or a related field, partner with us to connect your work with patient partners. Our tools, data, and patient insights can help shape, refine, and elevate your projects.
• Learned experience: Collaborate with us to integrate patient partners into your work. Whether it’s co-designing studies, spreading the word, or sharing results, we’ll help you make your work more impactful and patient-centered.

Looking Forward

2025 promises to be a year of growth and opportunity for DAC and the broader diabetes community. Together, we can strengthen the connection between research and the people it’s meant to serve. We’ll continue to build bridges, amplify voices, and foster hope—one story, one study, one connection at a time.

Stay tuned for more updates, events, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we’re shaping a future filled with gratitude, collaboration, and progress.

Linxi Mytkolli
Director of Patient Engagement