On this episode, we travel to Aruba to meet with Nurianne. Nurianne was diagnosed with T1D at 19. She is a graduate of the University of Aruba. Nuri worked as a full-time lecturer at the University of Aruba and was a researcher for the local Foundation of diabetes in Aruba concerning diabetes management on the island. Nurianne is passionate about helping others, as she started volunteering at the age of 12 and has been active in many social projects and programs since then. Nurianne has a special interest in children and their development.

Since her diabetes diagnosis, she has dedicated herself to researching diabetes and health conditions. Nurianne aims at motivating and coaching people living with diabetes.

In 2018 Nurianne participated as the representative of Aruba in the Miss World pageant and her advocacy focused on health for children and youngsters. In 2019 Nurianne joined the YLD program by the International Diabetes Federation to gain more knowledge in the field of diabetes so she can develop the appropriate skills to support others and do research.

Nurianne has been a Ph.D. student in the field of Public Administration since September 2023. Her Ph.D. research is an extension of her passion for advocating for health and specifically invisible disabilities. Nurianne plans on conducting research on how communities of experience (support systems) can enhance health outcomes of people with hidden disabilities such as diabetes, ADHD, and endometriosis in Aruba.