Since 2012, IDF Europe has recognised excellence, innovation and commitment to the diabetes community through specific prizes and awards. Not only do these celebrate outstanding work but they also promote the dissemination of novel ideas, solutions and initiatives which have made a real impact on the lives of people with diabetes.
Diabetes advocates are transforming the landscape of diabetes care in Europe, significantly contributing to re-thinking appropriate prevention and management policies, developing treatment solutions, and improving access to care. All of which are prerequisites to enhancing quality of life for people living with diabetes.
On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, in November 2024, during an event at the European Parliament, IDF Europe awarded its first Advocate Prize to Diabetes Advocate, Lea Leleta. This Award, supported by Lilly Diabetes, celebrates her outstanding and innovative advocacy work for the diabetes community. Beside the opportunity to participate in diabetes-related international activities and events such as the IDF Global Diabetes Congress in Bangkok in 2025, the Award consists of €5,000 to be donated to a charity/project chosen by the Awardee.
About the award winner
Lea Leleta, a 25-year-old Advocate from Bosnia and Herzegovina, has lived with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) since the age of two. Her advocacy journey began during her university studies in Visual Arts and Communication Design. For her Bachelor’s thesis, Lea combined her passion for design with her personal experience of diabetes, creating a children’s book titled “Lea and Diabetes”. The book aims to help children living with diabetes feel less isolated – a challenge Lea often faced growing up. The book was promoted through various events and activities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, connecting children living with diabetes and their families while raising awareness among the general public.
Art is central to Lea’s advocacy. In 2023, she collaborated with the DiabetNo1 association on an exhibition titled “How I Feel”. Held on World Diabetes Day in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exhibition explored the physical and emotional challenges of living with diabetes through contemporary black-and-white photography, highlighting the resilience required to manage the condition. By inviting government officials, students and healthcare professionals, the event aimed to challenge misconceptions about diabetes, foster empathy and increase awareness across different audiences.
In 2024, Lea participated in the IDF Europe Youth Leadership Lab (YLL) in Ub, Serbia, an initiative designed to enhance the advocacy skills of diabetes advocates from across Europe and build a strong pan-European advocacy network. Inspired by this experience, Lea has started collaborating with other advocates across Europe on intergenerational storytelling projects that highlight the experiences of PwD across different age groups.
Lea’s advocacy is deeply rooted in addressing challenges faced by PwD in her country, such as limited access to self-management technologies and widespread diabetes stigma. Her work focuses on raising public awareness, influencing policymakers and pushing for access to high-quality diabetes care. Lea’s ultimate goal is to ensure that every PwD has access to the tools and care they need to thrive.
Supporting the community
Lea chose to donate €5,000 prize money from the award to the DiabetNo1 association, an organisation committed to improving the lives of PwD in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through its innovative, inclusive and community-centred initiatives, DiabetNo1 ensures that no one is left behind, regardless of their region, background or religion.
Jelena, the founder of DiabetNo1 and mother to Milos, who lives with T1D, has been a strong supporter of Lea’s advocacy work. Reflecting on their collaboration, Lea said. “Jelena’s openness, creativity and passion have deeply inspired me, enabling many of my projects to become a reality. DiabetNo1 shines as a beacon of hope, providing critical resources, access to technologies for diabetes management, educational courses, psychological support and activities bringing together PwD of all ages.”
Lea expressed confidence that her donation will amplify the association’s efforts to empower the diabetes community. Sharing her gratitude, Jelena said: “I am overjoyed that Lea chose our association for the IDF Europe Advocate Prize. This incredible and generous act inspires us to continue advancing the rights of PwD and raising awareness of diabetes. Lea’s journey, including her book project, is just the beginning of a broader impactful advocacy effort that will resonate across Europe.”
With the donation, DiabetNo1 plans to improve its digital platforms, improve communication and outreach, and organise workshops to expand the associations reach and strengthen its mission to reduce the burden of diabetes and promote its central message: “For a life with less pain.”
We wish Lea all the best for her future advocacy initiatives and look forward to continuing our collaboration with her at the European level.
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We wish to thank Eli Lilly and Company for supporting this important initiative.