King's College London

Kirsty Winkley is a Reader in Diabetes & Primary Care; the Diabetes Educator of the Year Award celebrates nurses who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing diabetes education across the UK.

Kirsty was recognised for her significant impact on improving diabetes education through her work as a clinician, researcher and educator, helping both healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes to build the knowledge and confidence needed to improve outcomes.

Speaking after receiving the award, Kirsty said: “It is a real honour, and I really appreciate being a diabetes educator. I am just absolutely delighted that what we do as a team can improve outcomes for people living with diabetes and that is ultimately the aim of what we do.”

The winners were announced at the Diabetes Nursing Awards 2026, held at The Orchard Hotel and Restaurant in Nottingham on Friday 10 July. Hosted by broadcaster and GP Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, the awards brought together around 100 healthcare professionals finalists and colleagues from across the UK to celebrate excellence, innovation and dedication in diabetes care.

Laura Mills, event organiser said: "Kirsty's commitment to diabetes education has had a positive impact on both healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes. Through her work as a diabetes specialist nurse, health psychologist and clinical academic, she has helped advance diabetes education, research and self-management support, making her a thoroughly deserving winner of the Diabetes Educator of the Year Award."