Powerful Women in Diabetes
In diabetes care and advocacy, remarkable women are transforming the field through innovation, education, and passionate support. Our very own powerful woman, Rachel, was lucky enough to have a chat with them;
Beck Newton: Diabetes, foods, & mental health
Nurianne Arias: Diabetes & disability care
Ava Biespilfeld: Plant-based diabetes strength
Amy Claire Mills: Diabetes, disability & artistic activism
From grassroots advocacy to cutting-edge support programs, these women 4 are turning challenges into opportunities and showing the world what it means to lead with empathy and purpose. Let’s dive into their stories and hear their messages of hope, resilience, and empowerment.
Beck Newton: Bridging Diabetes Care & Mental Health
Beck Newton stands at the intersection of diabetes care and mental health as a formidable advocate for holistic health approaches. With over 30 years of experience as a registered nurse, she expanded her expertise by becoming a dietitian and credentialed diabetes educator, creating a unique combination of skills rarely found in healthcare.
Based in Perth, Western Australia, Beck specializes in addressing the complex relationship between diabetes management and disordered eating—an often overlooked but critical connection. Her philosophy centers on moving patients away from restrictive diet mentalities toward nourishing their bodies and improving metabolic health.
“It’s finding a way to eat that you can do for the rest of your life,” Beck emphasizes, rejecting the diet industry’s temporary fixes. She encourages patients to view food as neither “good” nor “bad” but rather as “helpful” or “unhelpful” for their specific health goals.
What makes Beck particularly inspiring is her commitment to continuous growth. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner, she aims to provide even more comprehensive care to her patients, further establishing herself as a “one-stop shop” for diabetes management.
Through her practice at Eat Live Well and the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre, Beck continues her mission of empowering patients with both physical and mental tools for lifelong health.
Nurianne Arias: Breaking Barriers & Building Community Support
Nurianne Arias embodies resilience and dedication in the diabetes community. As a PhD candidate in public administration, lecturer at the University of Baruva, and Young Leader with the International Diabetes Federation, Nurianne brings lived experience to her advocacy work, having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 20.
What makes Nurianne’s approach unique is her focus on hidden disabilities and community support systems. Growing up on the small island of Aruba shaped her understanding that managing diabetes extends far beyond medication—it requires emotional, spiritual, and psychological support. Her research examines how communities can better support people with hidden disabilities like diabetes, ADHD, and endometriosis.
“Treating a health condition is not just about the physical and biological aspect,” Nurianne explains. “It’s also about the emotional, spiritual, and psychological parts.”
Nurianne advocates for acknowledging the “spectrum” of disability experiences and challenging the shame and silence surrounding chronic conditions. Her vision is one of collective liberation—creating environments where people can openly discuss their struggles and receive comprehensive support throughout their lifespan.
Follow Nurianne’s journey on Instagram at T1D_Nurian where she shares her personal experiences and advocacy work.
Ava Biespilfeld: Redefining Strength Through Plant-Based Power
Ava Biespilfeld is truly a powerhouse in the diabetes community. As a weightlifter, nutrition coach, and future dietitian, she’s shattering misconceptions about living with type 1 diabetes and plant-based nutrition.
Diagnosed at age 10 after being previously misdiagnosed, Ava has transformed her relationship with diabetes through evidence-based nutritional approaches. Initially starting with low-carb dieting in high school, her journey shifted dramatically when she discovered research supporting plant-based nutrition for diabetes management.
What makes Ava’s approach unique is her focus on optimizing glucose utilization rather than restricting carbohydrates. “The root cause actually is insulin resistance,” she explains, emphasizing that our bodies are designed to use glucose efficiently.
Beyond nutrition, Ava advocates for a holistic approach to diabetes management, highlighting how sleep quality, stress management, and strategic exercise all play crucial roles in improving insulin sensitivity.
As an Olympic weightlifter fueled entirely by plants, she demonstrates that thriving with diabetes means embracing carbohydrates strategically while building muscle mass—which provides another pathway for glucose uptake independent of insulin.
Find Ava on Instagram @AvaSugarrr and @FuelworksNutrition, where she shares her journey and nutrition expertise.
Amy Claire Mills: Transforming Medical Devices into Artistic Statements
Amy Claire Mills is a vibrant Sydney-based artist who refuses to let her cystic fibrosis-related diabetes define her artistic expression. Instead, she transforms it into powerful, playful art that challenges perceptions of disability and chronic illness.
Born with cystic fibrosis that eventually led to a liver transplant at age 12, Amy developed diabetes as a complication of her treatment. Now a pump and CGM user for over a decade, she proudly coordinates her medical devices with her colorful outfits.
“I’m not ashamed to wear medical devices. They help me live,” Amy explains.
Her philosophy;
Why should medical equipment be clinical and boring? When it could be vibrant and expressive!
Amy’s art explores themes of identity and self-preservation through textiles, installations, and performances. Her work often appears deceptively playful—”sickly sweet” in her words—before revealing deeper messages that invite contemplation.
As an access consultant, she advocates for making arts more inclusive and representative for everyone. Amy challenges the sterile, clinical approach to disability, asking: “Why does chronic illness have to be sad or boring?”
Her inspiring message: Don’t hide your devices—celebrate them, colorize them, and take up space proudly in the world.
The Future of Diabetes Care
Their works remind us that health is not just about numbers—it’s about connection, community, and care that uplifts every part of the person. These four leaders represent a powerful shift in diabetes care—one that values empathy, embraces diversity, and expands our understanding of what good care involves.
Please follow, support, and take part in their journey.
Bec Newton: @eatlivewellau
Nurianne Arias: @T1D_Nurianne
Ava Biesterfeld: @avasugarrr @fuelworksnutrition
Amy Claire Mills: @amy_claire_mills
If you know (or are) a powerful woman in the diabetes space – please get in touch – we would love to collaborate and share their story.
Marketing & Content Creator | Instagram | YouTube
Jackson has had type 1 diabetes for over 20 years. As a Marketing Professional with over a decade of experience, he creates content to inspire diabetics and only works with companies that put people before profits. When not saving the world, he can be found either summiting a peak or pulling into a barrel.
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