In December of 1998, leaders from various managed care organizations, hospital systems, physician groups, public health agencies, American Diabetes Association, and pharmaceutical companies established the St. Louis Diabetes Coalition (SLDC). SLDC was created to address the enormous challenge of diabetes awareness and care through an integration of efforts and resources. As the coalition evolved, other groups joined, including academia, business and professional organizations. In 2002, the SLDC became an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation. In 2000 and again in 2004, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association awarded SLDC with its National Best Practice Award for Community Partnerships.  Over the years, the SLDC has been supported by grants and service fees from corporations, foundations and government agencies.