Exercise and health promotion programs for people with diabetes need to be person-centred. Incorporating those people whom the program targets at the centre of planning, and where possible delivery of the program is essential. Programs must accommodate participant choice and enable flexibility so as to foster individual engagement without feeling 'boxed Shift the mindset of seeing people with diabetes as 'clients' or patients' who require 'care' to one of seeing people who have lived experiences that can meaningfully contribute to programs.