SAN DIEGO, Calif. — DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ: DXCM), the global leader in glucose biosensing, has introduced 16 new diabetes advocates who will represent people living with diabetes worldwide as part of the company’s World Diabetes Day campaign.
The advocates, selected from 1,000 open-call submissions earlier this year, range in age from six to 68 and represent individuals living with Type 1, Type 2 and prediabetes across four continents and five countries. Each was chosen for their commitment to supporting others with diabetes in their local communities and their passion for advocacy — as well as their use of Dexcom’s glucose biosensing technology.
“Through advocacy, I strive to show others, especially children and newly diagnosed patients, that diabetes is not a limitation but an opportunity to grow stronger, inspire resilience and pursue ambitious goals,” said Maria Alejandra Jove Valerio, one of Dexcom’s new advocates. “What began as a diagnosis at age seven has grown into a lifelong mission to uplift others.”
This year marks the first time Dexcom has sourced representatives from the global diabetes community specifically for its World Diabetes Day campaign. The initiative reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to providing people with diabetes a platform to share their stories on an international stage.
The campaign features editorial-style portraits and personal narratives that highlight each advocate’s lived experience with diabetes, the misconceptions they hope to dispel and how they aim to inspire others to explore what they are capable of achieving.
The group gathered in Los Angeles for a World Diabetes Day photoshoot that included a surprise visit from Grammy-nominated artist, actor, producer and Dexcom Warrior Lance Bass, alongside author, producer, actress and Stelo Ambassador Retta. The visit provided an opportunity for the advocates to share their perspectives on diabetes advocacy and discuss the impact of their work.
The photoshoot was directed by photographer Tommy Lundberg, who also lives with Type 1 diabetes.
“Directing this photoshoot was nothing short of inspiring. Each of these advocates has a unique and compelling story, but they are all bonded by the shared experience of living with diabetes and passion for helping others in their diabetes journey,” said Lundberg. “I’m looking forward to people around the world seeing the strength of their advocacy shine through in this meaningful campaign.”
