The Origin of the D2d logo

The D2d logo was created in the summer of 2011. The three elements (D, 2, d) were chosen to represent the D2d study in the most laconic and memorable way possible. The first “D” stands for vitamin D. The number “2” denotes the type of diabetes the study is focused on. The second “d” stands for diabetes. The first “D” is upper case and the second “d” is lower case and hidden behind the “2” to emphasize the hypothesis that vitamin D supplementation will diminish risk of diabetes. The number “2” may also be read as “to” prevent.

The D2d color is equally intentional and there were several iterations in font and color before the final selection was agreed upon on August 9, 2011. The blue of D2d is a specific combination of the four inks used in color printing (CMYK: cyan, magenta, yellow and key [black]) was developed as a reminder of the sky: bright, light and open. The blue of D2d is meant to symbolize a fresh, new idea that was far from evident based on what we knew about vitamin D and diabetes at the time the idea was conceived. The blue also represents the ideal composition of the D2d research team. As Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, noted: people attracted to blue “aspire to harmony, serenity, patience, perseverance and peace, and have a calming influence on other people. Blue people are generally unflappable, even-tempered and reliable, a team player and good co-worker.” The blue color of D2d symbolizes the two simple qualities we looked for when we built the D2d research team: nice and effective.