Living a life of advocacy

Over the last two decades Renza Scibilia has transitioned from being newly diagnosed with type 1 to an influential diabetes advocate and activist and a vital part of the team at Diabetes Australia. And she’s not done yet.

- KAREN FITTALL

When Renza Scibilia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1998 she was 24 years old, didn’t know anything about the disease and was running her own business teaching music. As a classically trained flute player, she’s the first to admit it wasn’t exactly the obvious training ground for a future career in health advocacy. Fast forward to this year and a few months ago she was speaking at a virtual World Health Organisation event that brought people from all over the globe together to talk about diabetes.

“I’d never say diabetes is a blessing,” she says. “I hate diabetes and I find it really tough to find positive things about it. But at the same time the life I have now and the incredible opportunities I’ve had – including speaking at events and the chance to, in my role with Diabetes Australia, help influence health policies with the aim of improving the day-to-day life of people living with diabetes – wouldn’t have happened without it.”

Still, being diagnosed with diabetes is one thing, making advocating for others living with it a big part of your life is another. Renza says that journey began on the day she learned she had diabetes.