International Diabetes Federation

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization of over 200 national diabetes associations – including Diabetes UK – in over 160 countries. It represents the interests of the growing number of people with diabetes and those at risk.

The Federation’s activities aim to influence policy, increase public awareness and encourage health improvement, promote the exchange of high-quality information about diabetes, and provide education for people with diabetes and their healthcare providers.

World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day aims to promote global awareness of diabetes, and was set up by the IDF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to combat the global rise of the condition.

For 2012, the World Diabetes Day campaign has a special focus on children and young people.

Diabetes UK activity in 2012

We’re marking World Diabetes Day 2012 with the launch of our new Children and Young People’s campaign. In the first phase of the campaign, Diabetes UK is raising awareness of the 4 Ts of diabetes – Toilet, Thirsty, Tired and Thinner – the four most common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes.

We’re also campaigning to make sure doctors carry out the right test for Type 1 diabetes there and then, if a child presents with any of these symptoms.

We believe that everyone who knows a child, of any age, should be aware of the 4 Ts of diabetes, remember them and know what to do if they spot them.