ADEA announces 2026 Credentialled Diabetes Educators of the Year
- ADEA
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Christine Morton has been named the 2026 Jan Baldwin National Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE) of the Year, leading a group of outstanding CDEs from across Australia recognised for their commitment to improving the lives of people living with diabetes.
Announced at the joint IDF-WPR, ADC and Metabolic Diseases 2026 event in Melbourne on 20 August, Ms Morton was selected from this year's state and territory CDE of the Year recipients to receive the prestigious national title and the highest honour within the awards program.
Ms Morton, who has been a CDE since 2020, said she was honoured to receive the award and grateful for the recognition from her professional peers.
"I was very surprised. I really didn't even expect to be CDE of WA because I knew Nyaree Lawler was also nominated," she said.
She said receiving an award named in honour of Jan Baldwin was particularly meaningful and reflected on the significant contributions of both Ms Baldwin and previous recipients.
Ms Morton also acknowledged the outstanding work being undertaken by CDEs across Australia and highlighted the need to continue growing the diabetes education workforce to meet increasing demand for care and support.
Her pathway into diabetes education and care came after being encouraged by a diabetes educator to undertake further study in the field.
"Diabetes education found me. It was a long process, even without me noticing," she said.
"I played with the idea [of undertaking a course in diabetes management] and eventually I did do the course.
"I absolutely loved it. I love the work, love the outcomes and just knowing that you're helping people.
She said one of the most rewarding aspects of her role was helping people better understand their condition and feel heard.
"Sometimes, people living with diabetes feel that no one is listening, and that's where the CDE comes in. You're the person who can spend more time with them and listen."
Before becoming a CDE, Ms Morton completed a Bachelor of Nursing in South Africa and qualified as a registered nurse.
She worked across paediatrics, ophthalmology and corporate healthcare before moving to Australia, where she continued her career in psychiatric nursing.
In addition to the national award, winners were announced across three special categories:
Consumer Choice CDE of the Year: Angie Llewellyn
Early Career CDE of the Year: Cate Mitchell
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander CDE of the Year: Louise Gilbey
A CDE of the Year was also recognised in each state and territory:
ACT: Nicole Le Cornu
NSW: Nicole Teasel
NT: Rose Hodgkinson
Qld: Elizabeth Henry
SA: Stephanie Saggs
Vic: Simone Patterson
WA: Nyaree Lawler and Christine Morton
Tas: No nominations were received this year
Honouring Jan Baldwin's legacy
The awards continue to honour the legacy of the late Jan Baldwin, an innovative and influential CDE whose contribution to the profession continues to inspire CDEs across the country.
Recently, ADEA worked with the Australian Dictionary of Biography to publish a biography of Ms Baldwin, honouring her significant contribution to diabetes education and preserving her legacy for future generations of CDEs.
During the awards presentation, ADEA President Ann Bush said: "We are delighted to acknowledge Jan's husband, Bob Walsh, who is with us in the audience today".
"This year, we received a strong and diverse field of nominations from across Australia, making the judges' task particularly challenging," she said.
The CDE of the Year Awards are run by ADEA with the support of Eli Lilly Australia, whose support since 2014 has helped recognise and celebrate excellence in diabetes education.
Their ongoing partnership enables the winners in each category to receive scholarship funding to support their professional development and continued contribution to the field.
ADEA congratulates all award recipients and nominees for their dedication to advancing diabetes education and improving outcomes for people living with diabetes across Australia.
