The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is the global voice of the diabetes community. We are a non-profit umbrella organisation of 251 national diabetes associations in 158 countries and territories, working together to improve and empower the lives of the estimated 590 million people living with diabetes and prevent diabetes in those at risk.
The International Diabetes Federation is an international non-profit association established in accordance with Title III of the Belgian law of 27 June 1921, now replaced by the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations.
Vision
Access to affordable, quality diabetes care and education worldwide.
Mission
Improve the lives of people living with diabetes and prevent diabetes in those at risk.
The Strategic Plan 2023-26 outlines the goals and priorities that will inform and guide the activities of the Federation over the next three years. Scroll down to download the document.
Our activities
Our activities aim to influence policy, increase public awareness and encourage health improvement.
Our work covers seven regions where we support national diabetes associations and promote collaboration between them.
We collect and share high-quality information about diabetes, advocate for the best possible standards of care and prevention, and provide education for people living with diabetes and their healthcare providers.
Our humanitarian activities prioritise the needs of people with diabetes affected by a natural or human-made disaster, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
All activities of the Federation are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 4 (Quality education), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 10 (Reduce inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Support our activities by making a donation
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Our history
- 1950: the International Diabetes Federation is officially founded on 23 September in Amsterdam. Dr Robert Daniel Lawrence (UK) is the first IDF President.
- 1952: the first IDF congress is held in Leiden, the Netherlands.
- 1957: IDF establishes official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO).
- 1982: the seven IDF regions are formally established.
- 1984: the hummingbird is first integrated into the IDF logo.
- 1991: World Diabetes Day is introduced by IDF and WHO.
- 2000: the first IDF Diabetes Atlas is published and IDF establishes the Life for a Child programme.
- 2006: IDF leads the campaign that results in the passage of UN Resolution 61/225 “World Diabetes Day.”
- 2013: Launch of Kids and Diabetes School (KiDS) programme.
- 2016: Launch of the IDF School of Diabetes.
- 2022: Launch of the Understanding Diabetes platform.
- 2024: Launch of Fellowship programme.
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Our logo
The hummingbird featured in our logo was first adopted as a symbol for diabetes by the Dutch Diabetes Association. Known as “The Bird of Hope,” it represents a combination of qualities – intercontinental liaison, metabolic adaptation, energy and courage – that make it an apt symbol of hope and optimism for the diabetes community.
In 1984, the hummingbird became the official symbol of the International Diabetes Federation. The logo has since represented and united millions of people throughout the world with a message of hope in the response to diabetes.
In 2006, IDF introduced the blue circle as the universal symbol for diabetes for a campaign that resulted in the passage of United Nations Resolution 61/225 “World Diabetes Day. The circle occurs frequently in nature and its significance is overwhelmingly positive. Across cultures, the circle can symbolize life and health and, most significantly, unity.
In 2023, IDF incorporated the blue circle into its official logo.
The use of the logo adheres to strict terms and conditions. For more information, please contact communications@idf.org.
Related resources
Report
Annual Report 2024
An overview of the International Diabetes Federation activities and projects in 2024, including the release of a new position statement, the expansion of the IDF School of Diabetes and the launch of a global collaboration to train healthcare professionals in diabetes care and management.
IDF Annual Report 2024
pdf
5MB
Framework
IDF Strategic Plan 2023-26
This strategic plan outlines the priorities and goals that will inform and guide the activities of the International Diabetes Federation over the next three years.
IDF Strategic Plan 2023-26
pdf
354KB
