Diabetes UK needs people with an interest in diabetes to help us raise awareness in the local community. Depending on your experience, there are many ways that you can volunteer with Diabetes UK.

If you’re interested in volunteering or how you can get involved, please contact Diabetes UK directly using the contact information above. 

About Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK is a British-based patient, healthcare professional and research charity that has been described as “one of the foremost diabetes charities in the UK”. The charity campaigns for improvements in the care and treatment of people with diabetes.

Diabetes UK was founded in 1934 as The Diabetic Association, by the author H. G. Wells and Dr R. D. Lawrence. Diabetes UK’s first research grant was made in 1936. The organisation has since had two name changes—in 1954 to The British Diabetic Association and again in June 2000 to Diabetes UK.

Both founders were living with diabetes, and their aim was to make sure that everyone in the UK had access to insulin, regardless of their financial situation.

The charity’s first research grant was made in 1936, which lead to a major discovery in how the liver produces glucose.

The charity provides financial support for “project grants, funding to purchase laboratory equipment, and research-training opportunities ranging from PhD studentships to research fellowships.” The research they fund covers all areas of diabetes, and there have been significant breakthroughs for both Type 1 treatment and Type 2 prevention and remission. They continue to invest more in research in the hope that, one day, they will find a cure.

Diabetes UK Campaigns

Diabetes UK are at the forefront of the fight against diabetes. With the help of their supporters, they’ve run campaigns like the 4Ts to help raise awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, made sure children get the care they need in schools with their Make the Grade campaign, fight for equality of care and treatment across the UK with their Flash campaign and are working to make the healthy choice the easy choice with their food labeling campaign.

Diabetes UK Partnerships

Diabetes UK work with a range of companies, trusts, foundations and philanthropists to help fund research breakthroughs and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

In 2018, Diabetes UK began a new five-year strategic partnership with long-standing partner Tesco, alongside British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK, to tackle the UK’s biggest health challenges through behaviour change.

Groups and Events

Diabetes UK support local groups in all regions and nations that help bring together a sense of community and raise awareness of the condition. Diabetes UK’s first voluntary group was set up in 1939; there are now 350 groups across the UK, one being in West Cornwall. 

As well as this, their work is informed by the Council for People Living with Diabetes and the Council of Healthcare Professionals.

Helpline

In 1993, the organisation launched an information line for patients, family and friends was launched.

Diabetes UK helpline is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm they can be reached on 0345123 2399. There is an online forum that offers support day and night from others affected by diabetes to offer support and advice.