A global symbol for diabetes

The blue circle is the universal symbol for diabetes. The purpose of the diabetes symbol is to give diabetes a common identity.

The icon was originally developed in 2006 for the campaign for a United Nations Resolution on diabetes. The campaign was a response to the diabetes pandemic that is set to overwhelm healthcare resources everywhere. It mobilised diabetes stakeholders behind the common cause of securing a United Nations Resolution on diabetes. The United Nations passed Resolution 61/255 ‘World Diabetes Day’ on December 20 2006.

Until 2006, there was no global symbol for diabetes. The blue circle aims to:

• Support all existing efforts to raise awareness about diabetes
• Inspire new activities, and bring diabetes to the attention of the general public
• Brand diabetes
• Provide a means to show support for the fight against diabetes

Why a circle?

The circle occurs frequently in nature and has thus been widely employed since the dawn of humankind. The significance is overwhelmingly positive. Across cultures, the circle can symbolize life and health. Most significantly for the campaign, the circle symbolizes unity. Our combined strength is the key element that made this campaign so special. The global diabetes community came together to support a United Nations Resolution on diabetes and needs to remain united to make a difference. As we all know: to do nothing is no longer an option.

Why blue?

The blue border of the circle reflects the colour of the sky and the flag of the United Nations. The United Nations is in itself a symbol of unity amongst nations and is the only organization that can signal to governments everywhere that it is time to fight diabetes and reverse the global trends that will impede economic development and cause so much suffering and premature death.

Use of the symbol

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) holds all rights to the blue circle symbol for diabetes. IDF encourages everyone to use the symbol for diabetes as a reference to diabetes and the millions of people affected by the disease. We welcome the use of the logo in publications: magazines, video, online information, etc.

The symbol cannot be used without prior permission by IDF. It cannot be used:

• To promote or refer to anything other than diabetes
• As a quality label
• For merchandizing or any other form of commercial aim

While IDF holds all rights to the diabetes symbol, IDF can provide permission for merchandising carrying the diabetes symbol on a case-by-case basis. You can submit your proposal to diabetessymbol@idf.org.