IDF BRIDGES

BRIDGES (Bringing Research in Diabetes to Global Environments and Systems) is an International Diabetes Federation (IDF) programme that supports translational research to determine the actions that can improve outcomes in different populations.

The latest figures for the prevalence of type 2 diabetes appear to confirm the distressing news: our prevention efforts are not working well enough. Millions of people worldwide are losing the battle against diabetes and its disabling, life-threatening complications.

We know from the evidence that people who are at high risk for diabetes can delay or avoid developing the disease by losing weight through regular physical activity and a healthy diet. A major stumbling block has been the inadequate uptake around the world of therapies that are proven to delay or prevent the onset of diabetes or its complications. We need urgently to close the gap between knowledge acquired through research and the reality of clinical and community practice. That is why the IDF is working to translate evidence on effective initiatives to translate evidence on effective initiatives into affordable, feasible programmes to control diabetes worldwide.

BRIDGES is a global programme with projects in 34 countries, from Belfast to Bamako, Melbourne to Amman.

The World Guide to IDF BRIDGES 2012 provides the very latest information on the projects and their achievements to date. Navigate through the global and regional maps of this application and click on a blue circle – the global symbol for diabetes awareness - to select a country where BRIDGES-supported research activities are underway. Each report is presented alongside epidemiological data and key facts for each country so that you can keep an eye on BRIDGES worldwide and the countries we serve.