“Diabetes distress,” the term used to describe the negative impact diabetes can have on mental health,⁶ is now recognized as a crucial aspect of disease management, with new guidelines being developed to better address it.

“I’d really like to be able to have a day without having to worry about my blood sugar, and the impact it has on my daily life.” – Alizée Agier, living with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting the body’s ability to effectively process and convert sugar into energy. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a progressive condition that unfolds in four stages, beginning with two presymptomatic phases.⁷ It occurs when the immune system gradually destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, impairing the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.⁷ People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) do not respond to insulin as well as they should, or do not make enough of it.⁸ This leads to raised glucose levels in the blood which in the long-term may lead to complications in various organs.⁹

There is still a critical gap in the diagnosis and management of diabetes worldwide with late diagnoses remaining far too common.⁵ For example, in T1D, up to 80% of people will only be diagnosed when a serious complication - diabetic ketoacidosis - occurs.¹⁰

Access to consistent care also remains unequal, as availability of diabetes-specific resources and healthcare system support differs between countries.⁵ These challenges underscore the urgent need to elevate the global standard of diabetes care and ensure equitable access for all.

At Sanofi, we have been supporting people living with diabetes for over a century, with our legacy rooted in innovation and a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes.  As diabetes prevalence continues to rise worldwide, ensuring sustainable access to essential treatments such as insulin has become a critical public health priority.

Building on our commitment to patients, we continue to invest in state-of the-art insulin manufacturing facilities to strengthen supply sustainability and ensure this essential medicine remains consistently available to the growing number of people living with diabetes. We are also partnering with governments and other local and global authorities to help make insulin and diabetes care accessible to everyone who needs it.

Alongside our duty to people living with diabetes, we also recognize the responsibility we have to the planet and reducing our environmental impact. Through our advances in planet-friendly solutions, such as reusable, eco-designed insulin pens, we’re delivering on our promise to make the future of diabetes care smarter, greener, and more patient-centered.

The incidence of T1D continues to grow globally. By 2040, it is expected that 17.4 million people will be living with T1D.¹¹

We’re at the forefront of driving a new era in T1D management by shifting from reactive symptom management to proactive intervention. This approach, s coupled with growing clinical consensus for early detection and the expansion of screening programs, is transforming the way we approach T1D care.

We are proud to be part of this paradigm shift, using our expertise to drive innovation with an aim to  help improve patient outcomes.

To truly drive meaningful change in diabetes care, we are committed to working alongside patients, healthcare providers, governments, and communities.

We believe the future of diabetes care is digital and we’re co-designing personalized tools that can help people take control of their health with confidence.

For example, in Spain, we partnered with a multi-disciplinary team to create DIGUAN, a digital ecosystem centered around a relatable character designed to support young people to manage their T1D via educational resources. We’re also exploring AI-powered tools that may help analyze blood glucose data faster with an aim to gain deeper insights into patients’ health.

Managing diabetes  goes beyond treatment, with access to education playing a vital role in shaping outcomes. In partnership with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), we launched the KiDs program in 2013, to tackle diabetes-related stigma and promote healthy lifestyles to address the preventable risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The program has reached more than one million children at thousands of schools in 40+ countries.

We also have programs that support education within the clinical community, including BR1DGE – an expert-led program designed to bring together a community of highly regarded faculty to advance early detection and provide a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind T1D, ultimately contributing to scientific leadership and consensus in clinical practice.

Diabetes knows no borders. Advances in diabetes management and treatment have little impact without equal access to care. Many people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, continue to face barriers to diagnosis, education, and long-term support. 

At Sanofi, we are addressing these challenges through a sustained global effort to expand access to insulin and diabetes care. Through our Access to Healthcare programs, we work with governments, NGOs, and local partners to strengthen health systems, raise awareness, train healthcare professionals, and improve the availability of high-quality, affordable treatments. By combining education, capacity building, and adapted pricing, we aim to make diabetes care more equitable and sustainable for communities around the world.

One example is the significant milestone achieved in 2023 when Memoranda of Understanding were signed in Nigeria and Ghana, in partnership with IDF and local health authorities. The initiative raises community awareness of diabetes, provides education and training to healthcare professionals, and strengthens healthcare system capabilities. As a result, more than 300 healthcare professionals were trained across both countries in 2024, with patient outreach beginning in 2025.   

Through initiatives like these, we are proud to have helped improve the lives of many people living with diabetes. We know that diabetes knows no borders and that the need for care continues to grow. Our commitment remains unwavering; to expand access, strengthen healthcare systems, and support people with diabetes across the world.

We believe the future of diabetes care lies in early detection, innovation, and equitable access for all. It means ensuring that breakthroughs in technology and science reach everyone who needs them. And it requires multi-stakeholder collaboration - across disciplines, borders, and sectors.

At Sanofi, we remain dedicated to chasing the miracles of science to improve the lives of people living with or at risk of developing diabetes. Together with our partners, we’re breaking barriers and helping build a future where the standard of care for diabetes is equal for everyone.