The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased dramatically in Europe, particularly in younger people. Nevertheless, jointly developed prevention strategies are still lacking. The development and Implementation of A European Guideline and training standards for diabetes prevention (IMAGE) project was initiated by the Technical University Dresden in response to this major public health concern of the European Union. Within the IMAGE project, four specific objectives will be developed and implemented into clinical practice: a) joint European guidelines; b) a European training curriculum for prevention managers; c) European standards for quality control of diabetes prevention programmes; and d) a European e-health training portal for prevention managers. This three-year-project began in June 2007. At the time of writing, 32 institutions from 16 countries have become involved. The development of competent guidelines and education programmes, as well as the establishment of quality standards for the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes, should significantly enhance the ability of healthcare professionals to respond swiftly to its drastic increase and its burden to society.