Who we are

The World Diabetes Foundation was founded in 2002 as an independent foundation by Novo Nordisk A/S, and today is a leading global funder of diabetes prevention and care projects in low- and middle-income countries.

Key facts

• We aim to strengthen access to care, reduce prevalence and advance the NCD agenda

• We work through the power of partnerships

• We support people living in vulnerable situations

Since 2002, the World Diabetes Foundation has provided 223.5 million EUR in funding to 621 partnership projects in 120 countries. For every euro provided by WDF, project partners raise approximately 2 euros in cash or as in-kind donations from other sources.

Our vision

To enhance equity in access to diabetes care and prevention in low- and middle income countries.

Our mission

We work through the power of partnerships to strengthen access to care, reduce prevalence and advance the NCD agenda for people living in vulnerable situations.

Why diabetes

Diabetes is a growing global health crisis, affecting an estimated 589 million adults worldwide. Overwhelming 80% of them live in low- and middle-income countries, and two-thirds remain undiagnosed. Without proper diagnosis and care, diabetes can lead to severe complications such as amputations, blindness, kidney disease, and premature death.

The number of people living with diabetes continues to rise due to factors like urbanisation, unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and an ageing population. Overweight and obesity—major risk factors for diabetes—are also increasing, with the majority of overweight or obese children now living in LMICs. Each year, diabetes in pregnancy affects 21 million women globally, with over 90% of cases occurring in these countries.

Diabetes and related NCDs are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Every year, around 15 million working-age people die from them, with 82% of these premature deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Yet, up to 80% of NCDs could be prevented or delayed through affordable interventions.

The economic impact is equally stark. NCDs drive millions into poverty annually, but investing just 84 US cents per person per year in prevention and care could save 7 million lives and generate 230 billion US dollars in economic benefits.

Addressing diabetes is not only a health priority but also a matter of social and economic justice. By improving prevention, diagnosis, and care—especially for vulnerable communities—we can save lives, reduce inequalities, and build a healthier future for all.

Our legal basis

The World Diabetes Foundation is an independent and non-profit foundation governed by the Danish Foundation Act. WDF is based in Denmark and supervised by the Civil Affairs Agency, Denmark's authority for non-commercial foundations. It is governed by an independent Board of Directors.

Our funding

The World Diabetes Foundation’s income derives primarily from a Donation Agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S, which is updated on a rolling basis. In 2024, WDF received DKK 120 million as an annual contribution under the Donation Agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S.

WDF also receives donations from the Novo Nordisk Foundation through project-specific grants. The first grant was initiated at the beginning of 2019 when the Novo Nordisk Foundation approved the first grant to WDF to support a national NCD response in Tanzania. Since then, the Novo Nordisk Foundation has approved several applications from WDF, enabling WDF to scale up country-specific projects. Novo Nordisk Foundation grants to WDF are more than DKK 250 million, with projects running from 2020-2027.

In addition, the Novo Nordisk Foundation and WDF entered a strategic partnership agreement in 2024. The Novo Nordisk Foundation has awarded WDF up to DKK 260 million over seven years, covering the financial years 2024 to 2030. WDF receives the donation gradually in annual instalments from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.