The global diabetes epidemic, which in 2017, affected 425 million people worldwide and claimed the lives of 4 million people. With those figures projected to rise substantially as a result of the parallel rise in obesity, global awareness and action is paramount to curb the escalating health and societal threat posed by diabetes. No population group is immune to diabetes—the disease does not discriminate between rich or poor, old or young, black or white. Notwithstanding, black and ethnic minority populations shoulder a disproportionate burden of diabetes, with higher prevalence, higher rates of undiagnosed disease and preventable complications, and poorer health outcomes than white people. Numerous education and prevention programmes have been initiated over the years to combat disparities in diabetes care and outcomes. However, three recent reports from the UK and the USA, published within the space of 1 week, highlight how even today, race and ethnicity continue to represent barriers to equitable diabetes care.