Our history

The Diabetic Association was set up in 1934 by novelist HG Wells and Dr RD Lawrence – both of whom had diabetes. It became the British Diabetic Association (BDA) in 1954 and Diabetes UK at the turn of the millennium.

Radical from the beginning, the charity aimed to ensure that everyone in the UK could gain access to insulin, whatever their financial situation. Its mission statement was "to promote the study, the diffusion of knowledge, and the proper treatment of diabetes in this country."

The Association campaigned for the creation of the National Health Service and argued that people with diabetes should take an active role in managing their condition.

In 1939 the first diabetes voluntary self-support group was set up. There are now over 400 local voluntary groups, providing support and information to people with diabetes across the UK.

HG Wells

A journalist, sociologist, historian and author, HG Wells wrote more than a hundred books including 'The Invisible Man', 'The War of the Worlds' and 'The Time Machine'.

His futuristic, prophetic visions grappled with the profound choices faced by mankind in respect of science, technology, war and social order on a global scale.

Wells's diagnosis of diabetes (distinctions of Type 1 and Type 2 did not exist then) came in his early 60s, around 1930, and led to him giving up his teaching career.

In July 1931 he became a private patient of the famous physician RD Lawrence, and in 1934 he announced the formation of the Diabetic Association via a letter to the Times newspaper.

HG Wells

HG Wells

RD Lawrence

When Dr RD Lawrence was diagnosed with diabetes in 1920, there was no effective treatment for the condition. It was only the discovery of insulin in 1922 that saved his life.

After being appointed Biochemist to King's College Hospital in 1923, Lawrence set up a 'diet kitchen' where patients could learn about diets and injections.

In 1925 he published the first edition of 'The Diabetic Life', and went on to publish a further 16 editions, with the 17th edition being published in 1965.

In 1934 he co-founded the Diabetic Association, now known as Diabetes UK, with HG Wells.

RD Lawrence

RD Lawrence

  • Letter to 'The Times'

    HG Wells’s letter to 'The Times' announcing the formation of the Diabetic Association

  • Diabetes, Insulin and the Life of RD Lawrence

    Jane Lawrence's biography, Diabetes, Insulin and the Life of RD Lawrence, is published by the Royal Society of Medicine Press. To order a copy, please use this order form (PDF, 567KB). Proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to Diabetes UK