It is with great sadness and regret that the International Diabetes Federation joins the global diabetes community in mourning the loss of Bastian Hauck, a champion for the diabetes cause and a long-serving volunteer with IDF.
As founder of the global community #dedoc, Bastian dedicated his energies and efforts to bringing people living with diabetes into spaces where they could initiate, participate, contribute, and share back with their own communities. Importantly, they were encouraged to do this in their own ways – across different media as well as in-person, in their own languages, and within their own cultural contexts. Behind the rallying calls #NothingaboutusWithoutUs and #Payitforward, he changed the way lived experience is recognised across diabetes care, research and policy.
Bastian was a cherished member of the IDF family for more than a decade. In 2016, he was recognised with the IDF Europe Social Media Award, a reflection of his exceptional ability to connect people, amplify the voice of people with lived experience, and foster meaningful dialogue across the diabetes community. He went on to serve two terms on the IDF Europe Board, where he brought not only strategic insight and unwavering dedication, but also warmth, positivity, and a unique ability to bring people together.
Bastian championed the active participation of people with lived experience at professional diabetes conferences. He built a global scholarship programme that allowed hundreds of diabetes advocates to attend scientific events, including the IDF World Diabetes Congress, ensuring that their lived experience informs scientific discussions and decisions on diabetes.
He was also an IDF Blue Circle Voice and an active supporter of World Diabetes Day, which he used as a platform to connect the diverse representatives of the global diabetes community to form a powerful and united voice for advocacy and awareness.
Bastian embodied the true meaning of community. He believed deeply in the power of connection and inclusion and always found ways to make those around him feel heard, valued, and supported.
As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. His contributions helped shape the diabetes landscape, strengthen our community, and inspire a generation of advocates.
IDF extends its most heartfelt condolences to Bastian’s family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire #dedoc community during this difficult time.
