[2][4][5] 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.

[8] The charity's first research grant was made in 1936,[3] which led 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.

[10][better source needed] In 2017, they invested over £6.7 million in diabetes research and agreed to support 38 new studies.

[19] Diabetes UK website links people to clear information available for anyone who needs it.

This includes healthcare professionals, parents, carers, and people living with diabetes.

Their Learning Zone is an area where through sign up, people can gain access to personalised support and tips in diabetes management from peers.