The Bo & Kerstin Hjelt Diabetes Foundation was established in 2008 and has as a long-term goal to fund research to prevent and cure type 2 diabetes. 

The foundation funds research at two of Europe’s leading centers for diabetes, the University of Lund in Sweden, and the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Over the past three years, Bo and Kerstin Hjelt have dedicated a significant sum of money and time to developing the foundation's resources and increase its capital base.

Diabetes is a chronic disease, characterized by an excess of sugar in the blood. It is caused by an insufficient production, and impaired action of insulin regulating the level of sugar in the blood.

The worldwide increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes is reaching frightening proportions. International studies show that we can expect a 40% increase in type 2 diabetes within the next 25-30 years.

Bo Hjelt is suffering from type 2 diabetes (T2D) since the mid 1990’s, requiring 5 daily insulin injections to control the disease. This and the knowledge that type 2 diabetes is currently reaching epidemic proportions worldwide, prompted Bo Hjelt, together with his wife Kerstin, to create a Foundation.