EAST HANOVER, N.J., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Donovan McNabb, one of the most recognized quarterbacks in the National Football League, together with his parents Sam and Wilma, today helped kick off a new, national education campaign called How I Do Diabetes. Currently, nearly 21 million Americans have diabetes(i), the majority of which (90-95%) have type 2 diabetes(ii). Considered by many as a looming epidemic, incidence of the disease is expected to nearly double by 2025(iii).
“We believe that it’s important for us to share the lessons we’ve learned, as more than half of American patients are not in control,” said Donovan McNabb. “My dad Sam was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes nine years ago. We’ve seen the impact that others can have on a person’s ability to manage their diabetes. And, we’ve seen the benefits of creating a personalized management game plan that identifies practical and achievable choices a person with type 2 diabetes can make to help stay in control.”
Donovan and his parents are partnering with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation to educate people with type 2 diabetes and their family and friends about the importance of managing the condition, as uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications such as blindness, kidney damage, and lower-limb amputations(iv). People with the disease can reduce the occurrence of these and many other diabetes complications by controlling the levels of blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids, and by following other preventive care practices(v).
“I found a lot of diabetes information online and in books, but most of it was general in nature,” said Sam McNabb. “Donovan and my wife Wilma helped find things that work for me like making walking a family past-time and tradition. The HowIDoDiabetes.com Web site is a great resource for people with type 2 diabetes because it will help engage and motivate patients to strive for better health.”
To learn more about the management of type 2 diabetes, and what different people with type 2 diabetes “do” to help control their blood sugar, individuals can go to HowIDoDiabetes.com, a cornerstone of the campaign, or they can call (877) 352-2560.
HowIDoDiabetes.com provides information about nutrition and exercise. It also offers coupons and special offers specifically of benefit for people with type 2 diabetes.
“Managing diabetes is a major health burden for patients, physicians and society. Donovan McNabb and his family are passionate about raising the standard of care in diabetes and they have been effective with their Foundation and partnership with ADA in raising the bar in diabetes care. We’re proud to be partnering with the McNabb family to improve care for diabetes patients,” said Alex Gorsky, head of Novartis North America and chief executive officer of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
To help raise awareness about diabetes and its potentially devastating effects, Donovan began the Donovan McNabb (DM5) Foundation in June of 2000, three years after his father’s diagnosis. In addition to providing education about diabetes to sports fans who visit his personal Web site initially seeking stats and information about his career, the Foundation raises funds for the American Diabetes Association’s research program.
About Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease where control of blood sugar deteriorates over time(vi). It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States(vii). Over the years, high blood sugar levels damage nerves, blood vessels, and can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, different vascular or neurological problems.
About Novartis
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation develops, manufactures, markets and sells leading innovative prescription drugs used to treat a number of diseases and conditions, including those in the cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, organ transplantation, central nervous system, dermatological, gastrointestinal and respiratory areas. The company’s mission is to improve people’s lives by pioneering novel healthcare solutions.
Located in East Hanover, New Jersey, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is an affiliate of Novartis AG -- a world leader in offering medicines to protect health, treat disease and improve well-being. Our goal is to discover, develop and successfully market innovative products to treat patients, ease suffering and enhance the quality of life. Novartis is the only company with leadership positions in both patented and generic pharmaceuticals. We are strengthening our medicine-based portfolio, which is focused on strategic growth platforms in innovation-driven pharmaceuticals, high-quality and low-cost generics and leading self-medication OTC brands. In 2005, the Group’s businesses achieved net sales of USD 32.2 billion and net income of USD 6.1 billion. Approximately USD 4.8 billion was invested in R&D. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 91,000 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com .
(i) American Diabetes Association. “Type 2 Diabetes.” ( http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-statistics.jsp ). (ii) Centers For Disease Control. “National Diabetes Fact Sheet.” ( http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/general.htm#what ) (iii) American Diabetes Association. “World Diabetes Day Focuses on Preventing Diabetic Kidney Disease.” ( http://www.diabetes.org/for-media/2003-press-releases/11-13-03.jsp ). (iv) Centers For Disease Control. “National Diabetes Fact Sheet.” ( http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/general.htm#what ) (v) Centers For Disease Control. “National Diabetes Fact Sheet.” ( http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/general.htm#what ) (vi) American Diabetes Association. “Type 2 Diabetes.” ( http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-statistics.jsp ). (vii) Centers For Disease Control. “National Diabetes Fact Sheet.” ( http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/general.htm#what )
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
CONTACT: Carrie Callahan of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation,+1-862-778-7065 (Office), Carrie.Callahan@novartis.com
