International Diabetes Federation

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is a worldwide alliance of some 200 diabetes associations in more than 160 countries, who have come together to enhance the lives of people with diabetes everywhere. For over 50 years, IDF has been at the vanguard of global diabetes advocacy. The Federation is committed to raising global awareness of diabetes, promoting appropriate diabetes care and prevention, and encouraging activities towards finding a cure for the different types of diabetes. It is the mission of IDF to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide.

IDF’s working bodies bring together the most important stakeholders from the global diabetes community in a collaborative effort to set common goals and co-ordinate activities towards the attainment of these goals. These stakeholders include: people with diabetes and their families; professionals involved in diabetes healthcare and related fields; diabetes representative organizations, and partners from commercial organizations with concerns which align with the mission of the Federation. IDF is associated with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations and is in official relations with the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization.

According to IDF figures released in 2006, "the disease now affects a staggering 246 million people worldwide, with 46% of all those affected in the 40-59 age group. Previous figures underestimated the scope of the problem, while even the most pessimistic predictions fell short of the current figure. The new data predict that the total number of people living with diabetes will skyrocket to 380 million within twenty years if nothing is done."

Projects and activities
The International Diabetes Federation conducts a number of activities and projects. These include advocacy and lobbying work, education for people with diabetes and their healthcare providers, public awareness and health improvement campaigns, as well as the promotion of the free exchange of diabetes knowledge. A few examples include:


 * World Diabetes Day, the primary awareness campaign of the diabetes world. As a result of the passage of United Nations Resolution 61/225 in December 2006, World Diabetes Day is now an official United Nations day.
 * The World Diabetes Congress, which provides a unique and international forum to discuss a wide variety of diabetes-related topics.
 * IDF Task Forces' and Consultative Sections' efforts on specific issues such as access to insulin and diabetes supplies, diabetes education, clinical guidelines, and the economics of diabetes.
 * The Diabetes Atlas, a unique resource on diabetes for a wide range of audiences including decision-makers, public health authorities, healthcare professionals and educators.
 * Diabetes Voice, the magazine of IDF providing global perspectives on diabetes.
 * Life for a Child Program, helping children with diabetes in developing countries to access the diabetes care that they require to survive.

Publications
IDF publications include :


 * Diabetes Atlas, Third Edition
 * Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
 * Diabetes education modules
 * Global Guideline for Type 2 Diabetes
 * The IDF Consensus Worldwide Definition of the Metabolic Syndrome
 * The International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot
 * The Time to Act Series on complications of diabetes affecting the heart, kidneys, and feet