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Global perspectives
on diabetes

News and insights brought to you by the International Diabetes Federation

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The Glycaemic Index and how it can help diabetes management

GI is a measure of how quickly the food ingested raises blood glucose levels after eating.
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Mature man doing squats at home

Living with diabetes

Tips on exercising at home and staying in shape during COVID-19

Daily physical activity is an integral part of diabetes management. COVID-19 restrictions in place in many countries has made exercising at home increasingly common.
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Service dog

Living with diabetes

How dogs can make it easier to manage diabetes

Diabetes Assist” or “Alert Dogs” can help people with diabetes have a greater sense of comfort and stability.
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Mature couple exercising

Caring for diabetes

Sarcopenia: a common muscle condition in older adults with type 2 diabetes

Sarcopenia is a common and progressive skeletal muscle condition associated with an increased risk of falls, fractures and physical disability.
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Diabetes Football Community team picture

Living with diabetes

Diabetes Football Community: fighting stigma through peer support

Football can be an unforgiving sport. One community is helping people with diabetes to overcome the challenges and achieve their personal goals.
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News in brief

Diabetes headlines
you need to know.

woman holding medicines in her hand

August 13, 2020

IDF joins forces with Medicines Patent Pool to improve access to diabetes medicines

MoU signed to improve access to affordable and high-quality medicines in low- and middle-income countries.
> Read more

IDF Atlas cover image

August 13, 2020

Call for data for the IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition

IDF is looking for new data sources of diabetes prevalence to generate national, regional and global estimates.
> Read more

Road sign notice for COVID-19

May 15, 2020

COVID-19 and diabetes: perspectives from North America and the Caribbean

The IDF North American Region spans 29 countries and territories and is home to 48 million people with diabetes. COVID-19 has impacted the region in many ways.
> Read more

A girl with a child is standing on the road in a protective medical mask

May 11, 2020

COVID-19 and diabetes: perspectives from Europe

The IDF European Region spans 44 countries and territories and is home to 59 million people with diabetes. COVID-19 has impacted the region in many ways.
> Read more

Women holding coronavirus "go-away" sign in Spanish

May 7, 2020

COVID-19 and diabetes: perspectives from South and Central America

The IDF South and Central America Region spans 20 countries and territories and is home to over 31 million people with diabetes. COVID-19 has impacted the region in many ways.
> Read more

Women and boy with facemasks

May 7, 2020

COVID-19 and diabetes: perspectives from South-East Asia

The IDF South-East Asia Region is home to over 87 million people with diabetes. COVID-19 has impacted the region in many ways.
> Read more

Vikasith and Gemunu loading car with supplies

April 23, 2020

#SaveaLifeCovid-19SL: tackling lockdown to provide essential diabetes supplies in Sri Lanka

The lockdown in Sri Lanka has disrupted access to insulin for people with type 1 diabetes. Young volunteers have led the response to help those in need.
> Read more

Coronavirus visual

March 5, 2020

COVID-19 and diabetes

The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared an international public health emergency. People with diabetes may be more vulnerable to the severe effects of the virus.
> Read more

Samad Shera

March 3, 2020

Samad Shera (1935-2020)

Honorary President of IDF dedicated his life to raising diabetes awareness and training health professionals
> Read more

Close up of an eye

February 26, 2020

The eye as a window to the brain – new EU initiative launched

RECOGNISED will explore the biological pathways that may link the alterations observed in the retina with those present in the brain in people with type 2 diabetes.
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Giving-donation concept

January 9, 2020

50% of people use underground diabetes market

Researchers from the University of Utah Health conducted an online survey focused on different types of underground exchange activities for insulin and other diabetes supplies.
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Black woman lying in bed trying to sleep

October 16, 2019

Less sleep increases risks for diabetes

A recent study suggests that sleeping less increases risks for type 2 diabetes, cancer, and early death, especially when total sleep equates to less than 6 hours.
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Male patient at doctor's office touching kidney

October 1, 2019

Diabetes treatment reduces risk of kidney failure

New approval will help reduce risks associated with kidney disease.
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Rows of flags of all nations next to UN in New York

September 24, 2019

World leaders adopt universal health coverage declaration

UN Member States have committed to advance towards UHC by investing in four major areas.
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Vegan bowl

September 19, 2019

Vegan diet may prevent type 2 diabetes

New research suggests that a vegan diet provides improvements in body weight, body composition and blood glucose management.
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Girl injecting insulin

September 17, 2019

Novo Nordisk to provide cheaper insulin amid criticism

Novo Nordisk will offer a generic and a discount cash card.
> Read more

Research scientist looking through a microscope in a laboratory

August 21, 2019

T helper cells associated with onset of type 1 diabetes

New study results suggest that findings have the potential to serve as a target for immunotherapy in type 1 diabetes.
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Diabetes targets

August 19, 2019

Only 23% of adults with diabetes achieve targets

A number of key disparities and challenges exist for people with diabetes.
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Various vegetarian foods

July 31, 2019

Plant-based diet reduces type 2 diabetes risk

According to the research, risk can be reduced by at least 23%.
> Read more

Doctor listening to heart and patient

July 25, 2019

Women with type 1 at high risk for heart failure

Findings from a new study suggest that women with diabetes are at a greater risk for heart failure than men with the condition.
> Read more

Bernie Sanders

July 18, 2019

Affordable insulin caravan led by Sanders

US Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders will join an organised caravan to Canada to purchase affordable insulin along with people living with type 1 diabetes in need.
> Read more

Girl having a snack outside

July 4, 2019

Food insecurity and development of type 2 diabetes linked

Food insecurity can lead to higher insulin resistance, insulin, glucose, stress hormones, inflammation and total cholesterol.
> Read more

Clipboard with written prescription statins and stethoscope

June 26, 2019

Statins double risk for type 2 diabetes

A study found that people who are prescribed statins have at least double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who don’t take the drug.
> Read more

Group Of Women Posing For Picture

June 18, 2019

Female Sexual Dysfunction in type 1 diabetes

Two published studies report presence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
> Read more

ADA 2019 promotional banner

June 12, 2019

ADA 2019: Biggest news announcements

The 79th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) was held on June 7-11, 2019 in San Francisco, USA.
> Read more

Active woman testing her blood sugar levels

June 6, 2019

Diabetes survey finds distress and lack of support remain barriers

Improvements in diabetes-related knowledge and behaviors, but significant gaps remain in self-management care.
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Woman with diabetes wearing an insulin pump and checking her blood glucose on a smart phone app

May 22, 2019

DIY Artificial Pancreas gets warning from FDA

The FDA issued a stern warning about do-it-yourself artificial pancreas systems after a person with diabetes suffered an insulin overdose.
> Read more

FIASP vial

May 7, 2019

Fiasp® flaws: are faster insulins worth it?

Faster insulins facilitate the rapid movement of insulin through the capillaries into the blood, leading to improved glucose results. Are they worth it?
> Read more

Touch of Sugar film poster

April 30, 2019

Film tells the truth: diabetes can destroy lives

A Touch of Sugar, narrated by Viola Davis, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday, April 25
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Youth on beach

April 23, 2019

Type 1 diabetes camp is much more than blood glucose

The experience of a diabetes camp through the eyes of a doctor watching a diverse group of youth with type 1 diabetes in the Maldives.
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Capitol Hill with American flag

April 11, 2019

USA: Still no clarity on rising insulin costs

US Congress Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee holds second hearing on the insulin pricing crisis in the US.
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April 11, 2019

New JDRF CEO is first with type 1 diabetes

JDRF International Board of Directors unanimously approves the appointment of Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., to serve as its new President and CEO.
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Insulin vial and syringe

April 3, 2019

Priced out: the impact of rising insulin costs

United States House Committee on Energy & Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee has hearing on rising cost of insulin.
> Read more

Young girl hugging teddy bear

April 3, 2019

Urgent call for insulin affordability

Leaders of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (USA) have called for insulin affordability to be an urgent priority for the organization in 2019.
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European Union map with stars

March 29, 2019

First approval of oral type 1 diabetes therapy in the EU

The SGLT2 class for use by people with type 1 diabetes is under scrutiny, but the EU has approved one, marking the first oral for type 1 diabetes in the...
> Read more

IDF Congress delegates in action

March 21, 2019

IDF plans dynamic 2019 Congress

"Hot topics" include technology in all its forms, such as artificial intelligence, mHealth, apps, big data, wearable devices, and tools for diabetes management and monitoring.
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World Cancer Day campaign visual

February 4, 2019

#WorldCancerDay: People with diabetes at greater risk for cancer

Cancer awareness and understanding risks are not only important to the general public, but especially for people with diabetes.
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Oral medication

January 30, 2019

FDA weighs risks of new treatment for type 1 diabetes

FDA to decide on approval of use of SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibitors in combination with insulin therapy.
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Insulin pen

December 6, 2018

Study predicts insulin shortage for nearly 40 million by 2030

By 2030, 79 million people with type 2 diabetes will require insulin to treat the disease, but only half will have access.
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Unsavory truth cover

December 6, 2018

Author explains skewed nutrition science in new book

Marion Nestle helps us understand how food and product studies are more about marketing than science.
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On location filming of Human Trial

December 6, 2018

Update: The Human Trial documentary completes filming

The Human Trial The story of a biotech start-up on the verge of a major medical breakthrough — a clinical trial that could lead to a cure for type 1 diabetes.
> Read more

December 6, 2018

IDF response to Third UN HLM on NCDs: greater action required now!

International Diabetes Federation regrets lack of ambition in UN HLM Political Declaration.
> Read more

Type 1 diabetes class

December 6, 2018

In a class by themselves: a special college course for students with type 1 diabetes

Leaders in type 1 diabetes research and treatment teach students who live with diabetes.
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Human blue circle Hong Kong

December 6, 2018

Hiking in Hong Kong for World Diabetes Day

In Hong Kong, the annual Hike for Youth Diabetes marks World Diabetes Day and emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
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December 6, 2018

IDF Europe and World Diabetes Day: high-level advocacy with MEPs

The IDF European Region organised a week-long series of high-level advocacy activities in Brussels and Strasbourg to mark World Diabetes Day 2018.
> Read more

WDD activity in the MENA region

December 6, 2018

IDF MENA: Focusing on families and diabetes for WDD

The IDF Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) organised a variety of activities focusing on the family for World Diabetes Day and diabetes awareness month.
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Blue lighting in the IDF SACA region

December 6, 2018

World Diabetes Day 2018 in South and Central America (SACA)

An image gallery of awareness activities organised in the IDF South and Central America (SACA) region for diabetes awareness month and World Diabetes Day 2018.
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Insulin vials

October 3, 2018

Study on access to essential medicines finds wide gap

A wide discrepancy is found in the availability and affordability of essential diabetes medicines across the world.
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Families crossing the street

October 3, 2018

Food insecurity linked to type 2 diabetes

New research finds that people with people with prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes are more likely to be food insecure.
> Read more

October 3, 2018

World Sight Day 2018: Eye Care Everywhere

About 36 million people around the world are blind. Eye Care Everywhere is the theme of World Sight Day 2018 on October 11.
> Read more

Global Diabetes Walk in Peru

October 3, 2018

Take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes on World Diabetes Day

Looking for a simple, flexible, effective way to mark World Diabetes Day 2018? Organise a Global Diabetes Walk!
> Read more

Woman blowing her nose

October 3, 2018

Flu Vaccines important for people with diabetes

People with diabetes in the US are being advised to get vaccinated before flu season starts.
> Read more

Sergio Metzger

October 3, 2018

In memory of Sergio Metzger

Former IDF representative for the South and Central America Region passed away in August.
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World Heart Day 2018 poster image

August 31, 2018

Welcome to World Heart Day 2018

World Heart Day 2018 on September 29 focuses on looking after our own hearts, and the hearts of our loved ones.
> Read more

Woman getting her blood glucose checked

July 26, 2018

Screening criteria misses half of prediabetes, diabetes in US

Current diabetes screening criteria in the USA that use age and weight alone may miss up to half of prediabetes and diabetes cases, according to a new study published in...
> Read more

Refaat in refugee camp in Lebanon

July 26, 2018

IDF launches initiative to improve diabetes care in humanitarian settings

IDF estimates that four million people living with diabetes are forcibly displaced as a result of man-made and natural disasters. In these difficult circumstances, people with diabetes often struggle to...
> Read more

Person injecting insulin

July 26, 2018

Yale study finds NPH insulin adequate for type 2 diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes treated with the newer generation of long-acting insulin analogs did not have substantially better outcomes than those treated with less costly human insulin.
> Read more

Taking Diabetes to Heart promotional visual

July 26, 2018

Over 12,000 people with type 2 diabetes take diabetes to heart

Data collection for Taking Diabetes to Heart – the International Diabetes Federation’s multi-country study on awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people with type 2 diabetes came to a close...
> Read more

Child with anti-smog mask

July 26, 2018

Millions of diabetes cases linked to air pollution

New research links outdoor air pollution to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes globally, according to a study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the...
> Read more

IDF panel discussion at 71st WHA

July 23, 2018

IDF leads action for nutrition education at 71st World Health Assembly

At the 71st World Health Assembly in Geneva in May, IDF presented a multi-stakeholder panel discussion “Nutrition education and IDF action to tackle obesity and prevent diabetes.”
> Read more

Child monitoring blood glucose

July 23, 2018

Improving blood glucose meter accuracy in Brazil

Until early 2018, Brazil did not have a regulatory instrument that required standardization of blood glucose meter accuracy. A new standard has been published.
> Read more

Cover of the IDF Diabetes Atlas

July 23, 2018

Call for data for the IDF Diabetes Atlas 9th Edition 2019

The International Diabetes Federation is looking for new data sources of diabetes prevalence to include in the IDF Diabetes Atlas 9th Edition, to be published on 14 November 2019.
> Read more

Dr V. Mohan receiving the Harold Rifkin Award from Dr Jane Reusch, President, American Diabetes Association

July 23, 2018

Distinguished International Service awarded to advocate and doctor from India

Dr. V. Mohan received the prestigious Harold Rifkin Distinguished International Service in the Cause of Diabetes Award by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
> Read more

Health and Education: Stronger Together conference

July 23, 2018

Kids and diabetes in schools (KiDS) presented at Brussels conference

On May 17, IDF and the Belgian Red Cross Flanders (BRC-F) organized a special session entitled, Where Education Meets Health: Health Education for Children and Adolescents at the Health and...
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IDF Europe Youth Camp

July 23, 2018

Youth leadership camp – a key contribution to the future of the diabetes movement

The diabetes youth leadership camp (YLC) is one of the pillar activities of the IDF European Region.
> Read more

ADJ Advocacy Coordinator Vanessa Pirolo

April 4, 2018

Brazilian government to provide analogue insulin for type 1 diabetes

Following social media outcry, the Brazilian Ministry of Health is discussing final steps with the National Committee for Health Technology to make rapid-acting analog insulin available for people with type...
> Read more

Blood glucose screening in Trinidad & Tobago

April 3, 2018

EDUCATION! EDUCATION! EDUCATION!

Education is the driving force to achieve proper management of diabetes. The IDF North American and Caribbean (NAC) Region is prioritizing education and has developed their diabetes education programs to...
> Read more

Health cooking workshop in the IDF Middle East and North Africa Region

April 3, 2018

Road map for better diabetes care

The IDF Middle East and North America (MENA) region is a diverse and unique territory with great ethical and cultural differences and socio-economic extremes.
> Read more

IDF Europe promotional visual

April 3, 2018

Improving the lives of people with diabetes and those at risk in the IDF European Region

The IDF European (EU) Region is a wonderful example of unity in diversity – different cultures, healthcare systems, different levels of resources.
> Read more

April 3, 2018

World Diabetes Day 2018-19 to focus on the family

Diabetes concerns every family is the theme chosen by the International Diabetes Federation.
> Read more

News in brief

IDF joins forces with Medicines Patent Pool to improve access to diabetes medicines

MoU signed to improve access to affordable and high-quality medicines in low- and middle-income countries.

> Read more
News in brief

Call for data for the IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition

IDF is looking for new data sources of diabetes prevalence to generate national, regional and global estimates.

> Read more
News in brief,North America and Caribbean

COVID-19 and diabetes: perspectives from North America and the Caribbean

The IDF North American Region spans 29 countries and territories and is home to 48 million people with diabetes. COVID-19 has impacted the region in many ways.

> Read more
News in brief,Europe

COVID-19 and diabetes: perspectives from Europe

The IDF European Region spans 44 countries and territories and is home to 59 million people with diabetes. COVID-19 has impacted the region in many ways.

> Read more

Most popular

Diabetes stories that
have everyone talking

Coronavirus visual

1

COVID-19 and diabetes

The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared an international public health emergency. People with diabetes may be more vulnerable to the severe effects of the virus.
> Read more

Jessica Apple in her kitchen

1

Living with diabetes

LADA and life after bagels: a low-carb journey

Jessica Apple was diagnosed with LADA at the age of 35. Together with her husband Mike, she has embarked on a low-carb journey to manage her condition.
> Read more

Muhammad Ali

0

Living with diabetes

Fighting for the freedom to compete

Muhammad Ali made history on September 15, 2018, becoming the first UK boxer with type 1 diabetes to fight professionally.
> Read more

Nicole Smith-Holt protest high cost of insulin

0

Advocating for diabetes

Alec’s Story: when the high cost of insulin destroys lives

There’s a reason why insulin affordability matters to Nicole Smith-Holt. In 2017, Nicole’s adult son lost his life to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) because he could not afford his insulin.
> Read more

Anthony Anderson

0

Diabetes profiles

Anthony Anderson gets real about diabetes

American actor, Anthony Anderson is the star of the hit comedy-drama Black*ish. Anthony has been living with type 2 diabetes since 2002. Diabetes Voice got a chance to speak with...
> Read more

Child with anti-smog mask

0

Millions of diabetes cases linked to air pollution

New research links outdoor air pollution to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes globally, according to a study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the...
> Read more

Rachel James

0

Advocating for diabetes

Losing Rachel, our only daughter, to type 1 diabetes

Rachel James lost her life to type 1 diabetes on July 3, 2016. She had not even been diagnosed. Awareness about type 1 diabetes symptoms can avert tragedy.
> Read more

FIASP vial

1

Fiasp® flaws: are faster insulins worth it?

Faster insulins facilitate the rapid movement of insulin through the capillaries into the blood, leading to improved glucose results. Are they worth it?
> Read more

Person injecting insulin

0

Yale study finds NPH insulin adequate for type 2 diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes treated with the newer generation of long-acting insulin analogs did not have substantially better outcomes than those treated with less costly human insulin.
> Read more

Insulin being drawn from a vial

1

Caring for diabetes

How insulin storage, use and lifespan affect your safety

While the insulin affordability crisis has opened up discussion about right to care and treatment, insulin safety hasn't been addressed.
> Read more

News in brief

COVID-19 and diabetes

The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared an international public health emergency. People with diabet...

> Read more
Living with diabetes

LADA and life after bagels: a low-carb journey

Jessica Apple was diagnosed with LADA at the age of 35. Together with her husband Mike, she has emba...

> Read more
Living with diabetes

Fighting for the freedom to compete

Muhammad Ali made history on September 15, 2018, becoming the first UK boxer with type 1 diabetes to...

> Read more
Advocating for diabetes

Alec’s Story: when the high cost of insulin destroys lives

There’s a reason why insulin affordability matters to Nicole Smith-Holt. In 2017, Nicole’s adult son...

> Read more

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Visual storytelling

Promo video screen capture - Year of the Nurse

World Diabetes Day 2020 – “Diabetes Matters” promotional video

The International Diabetes Federation is collaborating with ITN Productions Industry News on "Diabetes Matters” - a news-style programme that will...

Erum Gafoor

Living with diabetes – Erum Ghafoor

Living with type 2 diabetes and a consultant diabetes educator, public health specialist and global advocate, she calls for an...

Chris Aldred

Living with diabetes – Chris Aldred

As a person with 1 diabetes and father to son with type 1 diabetes, Chris has seen progress in diabetes...

Pei Yan Heng

Living with diabetes – Pei Yan Heng

From a type 2 diabetes diagnosis at 10 years old, to working as a volunteer in children's diabetes camps.

Narsimha Raju Dichpally

Living with diabetes – Narsimha Raju Dichpally

As a carer for his father, who has lived with type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, Narsimha has...

Patricia Gómez Medel

Living with diabetes – Patricia Gómez Medel

Mother of two, who left her job to care for her daughter after she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes....

Victoria Emilia Tapia Abril

Living with diabetes – Verónica Emilia Tapia Abril

After being diagnosed with latent adult autoimmune diabetes, it took a year for Veronica to find the health care services...

Osarenkhoe

Living with diabetes – Osarenkhoe Ethel Chima-Nwogwugwu

Mother of five, Osarenkhoe experienced gestational diabetes twice, was later diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and now works as a...

John's story screen

Taking Diabetes to Heart – John’s story

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death and disability in people with diabetes but awareness of the symptoms...

Video capture Living with Diabetes

Living with diabetes

1 in 11 people worldwide are currently living with diabetes. You may not think you know someone with diabetes, but...

World Diabetes Day 2020 - "Diabetes Matters" promotional video

The International Diabetes Federation is collaborating with ITN Productions Industry News on "Diabetes Matters” - a news-style programme that will launch on 14 November 2020.
Living with diabetes - Erum Ghafoor

Living with type 2 diabetes and a consultant diabetes educator, public health specialist and global advocate, she calls for an urgent pragmatic approach to tackle the diabetes epidemic.
Living with diabetes - Chris Aldred

As a person with 1 diabetes and father to son with type 1 diabetes, Chris has seen progress in diabetes diagnosis and management.