Susan Alberti, known for her tireless work to find a cure for diabetes, has been named as the 2017 Melburnian of the Year.

The businesswoman, fundraiser and devoted football fan was given the award at Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday night.

Susan Alberti, right, with ex-Matildas star Amy Duggan at an the AFL women's match earlier this year. Credit:Alex Paten

"It's a great honour," she said.

Mrs Alberti AC said she plans on spending the next 12 months raising awareness and support for people with type 1 diabetes.