Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION & SUPPORT: PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT| 11-97

International Diabetes Federation The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization of over 240 national diabetes associations,

encompassing over 168 countries and territories throughout the world. This international body provides a forum for members to share and engage in diabetes initiatives on a global basis, representing the interests of the growing number of people with diabetes and those at risk. IDF’s mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. “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 health-care providers” (6). The IDF symbol of the blue circle represents the world joining all the continents in the global fight against diabetes (6).

Each year, the IDF celebrates an International Diabetes Day on November 14 th to commemorate the birthdate of the discoverer of insulin, Sir Frederick Banting. Many activities are organized throughout the world to drive awareness and advocate for those affected by diabetes and those at risk.

Diabetes Education Consultative Section The Diabetes Educator International Associations was founded in 1991 through the joint efforts of the DES of the CDA (now Diabetes Canada), the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the Australian and the British diabetes associations. It is now known as the Diabetes Education Consultative Section of the IDF. The first education stream was held at the 2000 IDF meeting in Mexico City. References 1. Diabetes Canada. Available at www.diabetes.ca Accessed October 12, 2018. 2. Home P, Hallett L. The St. Vincent Declaration Initiative. IDF Bull . 1996;41:6-9. 3. World Health Organization/International Diabetes Federation. Diabetes care and research in Europe: the Saint Vincent declaration. Diabet Med . 1990;7:360. 4. Home PD. The mission of St. Vincent: Quality in European diabetes care. Pract Diabetes Int . 1996;13:40.