Renza Scibilia

Renza Scibilia has lived with type 1 diabetes since April 1998. She is a well-known diabetes patient advocate and activist, promoting a person-centred approach to healthcare, and in the development of diabetes information, services and technologies. Renza has worked in diabetes organisations for over 16 years and is currently the Manager of Type 1 Diabetes and Consumer Voice at Diabetes Australia. Previously, she was the Consumer Engagement Manager at a Diabetes Australia state-based organisation where she established and managed Australia’s first consumer-led and consumer-focused diabetes program, offering support, information and peer connections for people with diabetes and their families. Renza is an active and well-known member of the diabetes online community (DOC). She’s well-versed in social media and its application in diabetes peer support. Renza is the creator and author of her own diabetes blog where she writes about issues of interest to people living with diabetes. The blog, Diabetogenic (www.diabetogenic.wordpress.com), has received awards for excellence in health writing, and is one of Australia’s most widely-read consumer patient blogs. She is also a frequent contributor to health publications. Renza is a regular invited speaker at health professional, industry and patient conferences around the world, where she speaks about: why the language we use is important in healthcare; how online platforms are used to improve consumer engagement with healthcare professionals and industry; the role of people with diabetes in the design and development of health programs; and the significance of peer support.