The diabetes challenge

Today, 371 million people are living with diabetes1. According to the ‘rule of halves’2 only about half of them have been diagnosed and only half of those diagnosed receive professional care. Of the people receiving care, only half achieve their treatment targets, and of those only half live life free from diabetes-related complications.

We are determined to change this.

The rule of halves

The ‘rule of halves’ states that around half of most common chronic disorders are undetected. Actual rates of diagnosis and treatment vary from country to country.2


Driven by the needs of people with diabetes, we work at the frontiers of science to improve treatments and create more opportunities to live well with the condition. We also offer innovative diabetes support and education to encourage active self-management in the pursuit of better health outcomes for people living with diabetes.

But treatment is only part of the solution to the diabetes challenge. This is why we advocate for concerted action to address the pandemic, challenging systems, political priorities and health expectations worldwide. In addition, we collaborate with global organisations and governments in driving diabetes awareness, prevention and equal access to care.

Through our actions we will break the curve of the diabetes pandemic, and we will measure and report on our progress. Until we defeat diabetes, we will continue to support people in living fuller, healthier and more productive lives.

  1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, fifth edition, 2011.
  2. Hart J.T. Rule of Halves: implications of increasing diagnosis and reducing dropout for future workload and prescribing costs in primary care. Br J Gen Pract 1992, March; 42(356):116–119.

The Changing Diabetes® Barometer is an initiative to engage payers, policymakers and healthcare professionals in measuring, benchmarking and sharing data.
Changing Diabetes® Barometer


WDF is dedicated to supporting prevention and treatment of diabetes in developing countries.
World Diabetes foundation


World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness.
World Diabetes Day