Diabetes Charities
A number of charitable organisations throughout the world are pledged to fight diabetes.
Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK is the foremost UK diabetes charity. Diabetes UK works to help people suffering from diabetes, as well as providing funding for research, raising awareness and campaigning. Diabetes UK was originally the diabetic Association, founded in 1934.
Diabetes UK has over 170,000 members, and constantly works with diabetics, their families and friends, and healthcare professionals, to improve UK diabetes care. Diabetes UK also carries the torch for diabetics when it comes to campaigning and lobbying the government to increase care standards and quality of life.
Diabetes UK aims to improve the lives of people suffering from diabetes, and as one of the largest patient organisations in Europe they are well poised to stand up for the interests of diabetics. The charity also provides everyday, practical support to diabetics in the management of their disease.
American Diabetes Association
The ADA (American Diabetes Association) is the leading non-profit health organisation in America , dedicated to providing research, information and advocacy to diabetics. The ADA is an old charity, established in 1940. From a central base the charity has flourished to encompass programs in all 50 US states.
The American Diabetes Association is pledged to prevent and cure diabetes, improving the lives of all people touched by the disease. The focus in recent years has also been on prevention and education, particularly amongst minority groups who are more susceptible to the disease.
The American Diabetes Association published scientific findings, offers free public information, an array of services for diabetics and their families. The ADA also funds research, and is principal in advocating for the rights of diabetic people.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is concerned with the rising incidence of type 1 diabetes amongst children. The JDRF are fundamentally aiming to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and all of its complications. The charity was formed in 1970 by parents of children with the disease.
The JDRF also operates in the UK as an independent charity, registered with the charity commission in England and Wales . Globally, the JDRF network has been responsible for raising over £600 million.
The JDRF funds people researching prevention, treatment, causes and cure for type 1 diabetes. The JDRF is the largest voluntary health organisation in the world, currently funding over 20 research projects in the UK alone.
Insulin Dependant Diabetes Trust
The Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust (IDDT) is a UK charity that aims to listen to the needs of diabetic people and their carers, and provide support. The IDDT was established in 1994, and is a registered UK charity.
The goals of the IDDT are not only to treat diabetics, but also their families and carers – every person who has to live with diabetes. The IDDT stress that people suffering with diabetes, whether they have the disease or not, all have different needs and views.
The aim of the IFFT is to is to confront the everyday worries, fears and concerns of being a diabetic– not just in a medical sense but personally. All IDDT trustees have diabetes or a family member with diabetes – they understand. The IDDT is run entirely by voluntary donations, and they do not accept funding from the pharmaceutical industry.
