Black voices in diabetes research: how they save lives
Diabetes Health Matters with Dr Joan St John
31/03/2026, 18:30 BST (UK)
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In this episode
Research plays a vital role in shaping how diabetes is diagnosed, treated, and prevented. But not all communities are equally represented in research, and this can lead to gaps in care, delayed diagnoses, and poorer health outcomes for Black populations.
In this session, Dr Joan St John is joined by Dr Veline L’Esperance, Senior Clinical Advisor at the NHS Race and Health Observatory and Co-Lead of Black Health Legacy, who will explore the importance of participation in diabetes research and its implications for Black populations. Together, we will unpack what research actually involves, from surveys and focus groups to clinical trials, and reflect on what research has already helped us understand, as well as what still needs to be uncovered.
We will also discuss:
- The barriers and mistrust that have historically limited participation
- The measures that have been put in place to limit future mistrust
- The process of being involved in research and how you can contribute
Your voice matters. This discussion includes a Q&A session, allowing you to ask questions about diabetes research in Black populations directly to our expert guest.
Whether you live with diabetes, support someone who does, or work in healthcare, this webinar will give you a clearer understanding of research, why it matters, and how participation can help shape a healthier future for Black populations.
Disclaimer: Eli Lilly and Company and A. Menarini Farmaceutica Internazionale SRL have provided sponsorship to Diabetes Africa to support the costs of running the ‘Diabetes Health Matters’ event series, and have not had any input into the programme, content or selection of speakers.
Featured experts
Dr Joan St John
GPwER Diabetes, Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, UK
Dr Joan St John is a General Practitioner (GP) with special interest in diabetes, and is currently working as GP Clinical lead in Diabetes for an area of North-West London, UK. She also works as part of the multi-disciplinary award-winning Brent Integrated Diabetes Service. Summary
Dr Veline L’Esperance
Academic GP, Queen Mary University London, UK
Dr Veline L’Esperance is an Academic General Practitioner and Senior Clinical Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, where she co-leads Black Health Legacy, a landmark study funded by a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award.
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Further information
With ‘Diabetes Health Matters’, Dr Joan St John shares her lifetime experience caring for people from many different backgrounds and origins to tackle the hottest topics encountered through her practice. Dr St John brings together people with lived experience, healthcare professionals and other experts for a series of meetings focused particularly on African and Caribbean health. But the information you will hear about is universal and can be used by anyone.
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