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1. 14 April 2020 Novo Nordisk offers free 90-day insulin supply to people experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19

   PLAINSBORO, N.J., April 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- People with diabetes using Novo Nordisk Inc. insulin who have lost health insurance coverage because of a change in job status due to the COVID-19 pandemic may now be eligible for enrollment in our Diabetes Patient Assistance Program (PAP) and receive insulin free of charge for 90 days.

   Through this enhancement, applicants are not required to provide documented proof of income. Participants must provide documentation showing loss of healthcare benefits, such as a job termination notice or job status change, or proof that COBRA benefits are being offered. In addition, if Medicaid benefits are denied, assistance for eligible patients can be extended past the 90-day-window until the end of the year…

   PLAINSBORO, N.J., April 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- People with diabetes using Novo Nordisk Inc. insulin who have lost health insurance coverage because of a change in job status due to the COVID-19 pandemic may now be eligible for enrollment in our Diabetes Patient Assistance Program (PAP) and receive insulin free of charge for 90 days.

   Through this enhancement, applicants are not required to provide documented proof of income. Participants must provide documentation showing loss of healthcare benefits, such as a job termination notice or job status change, or proof that COBRA benefits are being offered. In addition, if Medicaid benefits are denied, assistance for eligible patients can be extended past the 90-day-window until the end of the year. People applying for this program must have a valid prescription for a Novo Nordisk insulin and meet certain eligibility criteria, which can be found on NovoCare.com or by calling 1.844.NOVO4ME (668.6463).

   "The pandemic is taking a serious toll on the nation's health and economy. Millions of people are losing jobs and health coverage, and that's especially tragic if you have a chronic disease like diabetes. We already have a lot of programs to help people afford insulin but the impact of COVID-19 goes beyond that. We know people need more help right now and we want to do something that could make an immediate difference.  We also want to dial-up our efforts to make people aware of the help that is available," said Doug Langa, Executive Vice President, North America Operations and President of Novo Nordisk Inc. "Patients have enough issues to worry about at this moment. We don't want being able to pay for their insulin to be one of them."

   "Removing barriers is so important right now. The US healthcare system has been long overdue for intervention and this crisis brings things so clearly into focus. Navigating our healthcare system is hard enough as it is for people with diabetes, in addition to living in this pandemic and managing a serious chronic disease," added Kelly Close, President and Founder, Close Concerns, and Founder and Chair of the Board of The diaTribe Foundation. "What Novo Nordisk is doing is absolutely critical and The diaTribe Foundation applauds this series of moves to help people with diabetes do as well as possible."

   Because there may be situations where required enrollment documentation is not quickly accessible and a patient may be at risk of rationing insulin, we have an Immediate Supply option available that may help. 

   Efforts to Drive Awareness
   During this COVID-19 pandemic, we know more people than ever may need insulin affordability support so we'll be implementing additional activities to increase awareness. Starting April 15, a targeted advertising campaign begins in order to raise awareness that NovoCare^® is the resource for patients seeking information and support to afford their Novo Nordisk medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ads will run on connected TV, online radio, newspapers and brief mentions on network television programming.

   Additional affordability options
   In addition to COVID-19 response efforts, Novo Nordisk will continue to offer a broad, diverse collection of affordability options to help those with or without insurance, including: 

   • Our long-standing Patient Assistance Program (PAP), which has provided free medicines to eligible patients since 2003, has also been enhanced to reflect today's public health crisis. In 2019, nearly 50,000 Americans received free insulin from Novo Nordisk through this program. Effective April 1, 2020, Medicare patients were no longer required to pay $1,000 for medicines before being eligible for the Novo Nordisk PAP. To be eligible, a person must:
   • Be a US citizen or legal resident.
   • Have a total household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) (See NeedyMeds for a list of the current FPL guidelines)
   • A family of four with an annual income up to $104,800 may receive free medications through our PAP. For individuals, the annual income limit for participation is $51,040.
   • Be uninsured, or in the Medicare program.
   • Not be enrolled in or qualify for any other federal, state or government program such as Medicaid, Low Income Subsidy or Veterans (VA) Benefits. 
   • Exceptions include patients who are Medicaid eligible who have applied for and been denied Medicaid.
   • My$99Insulin: For $99, people with diabetes can get up to three vials or two packs of FlexPen^®/FlexTouch^®/PenFill^® pens, of any combination of Novo Nordisk Inc. insulins with a prescription.  
   • Immediate Supply: A short-term, immediate-need program for those at risk of rationing while working to identify a longer-term solution. We may be able to help these people by providing a free, one-time, immediate supply of up to three vials or two packs of pens of Novo Nordisk Inc. insulin with a prescription.
   • Follow-on brand (also known as authorized generics) insulins: Follow-on brand versions of NovoLog^® and NovoLog^® Mix, from Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc. (NNPI), a Novo Nordisk A/S US company, can be ordered at one's local pharmacy, and cost 50 percent off the current list prices of the branded medicines.
   • Novo Nordisk human insulin, named ReliOn™, available at Walmart for about $25/vial and for about $44/box of FlexPen^®. Similar offerings are found at CVS and other national pharmacies.
   • Copay Savings Cards to help defray the costs for commercially insured patients who are experiencing high out-of-pocket costs. If you have insurance through your employer or private insurance, you may pay as little as $5 per 30-day supply of Tresiba^® (maximum savings of $150 per 30-day supply) and/or $25 per 30-day supply of Novolog^® (maximum savings up to $100 per 30-day supply) for up to 24 months.

   Please visit Novocare.com for full details of the above offers. Whether COVID-19 related or not, Novo Nordisk is committed to helping patients and will continue to work with people with diabetes to identify potential long-term solutions based on their needs.

   About NovoCare.com
   NovoCare.com is Novo Nordisk's go-to resource for all US patient affordability and access support programs. Available 24 hours a day, NovoCare.com provides all necessary information, including eligibility details, affordability options, assistance programs for those in need of insulin. Help is also available at 1.844.NOVO4ME (668.6463).

   About Novo Nordisk Inc. (NNI)
   NNI is a US affiliate of Novo Nordisk. The company is based in Plainsboro, NJ and is responsible for commercialization of Novo Nordisk brands in the US and management of clinical trials in the US. For more information, visit novonordisk.us, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

   About Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc. (NNPI)
   Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc. (NNPI) is a Novo Nordisk A/S US company that is also based in Plainsboro, NJ. The company was formed in March 2019 to bring follow-on brands of Novo Nordisk insulin products at a reduced list price for people facing affordability challenges.

   

    

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   SOURCE Novo Nordisk Inc.

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2. 02 April 2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources available from Novo Nordisk in the US

   PLAINSBORO, N.J., April 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- We recognize that people with chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity and hemophilia, are at increased risk during this pandemic and Novo Nordisk is taking measures to support the communities we serve throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

   "Patients who rely on our medicines every day, our employees who serve them, and the heroes trying to address the outbreak in our backyard demand our singular focus. Now, during these really challenging times, is when we all have to work together to keep our communities, loved ones and those we care about safe and healthy," said Doug Langa, Executive Vice President, North America Operations and President of Novo Nordisk Inc. "We take these responsibilities…

   PLAINSBORO, N.J., April 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- We recognize that people with chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity and hemophilia, are at increased risk during this pandemic and Novo Nordisk is taking measures to support the communities we serve throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

   "Patients who rely on our medicines every day, our employees who serve them, and the heroes trying to address the outbreak in our backyard demand our singular focus. Now, during these really challenging times, is when we all have to work together to keep our communities, loved ones and those we care about safe and healthy," said Doug Langa, Executive Vice President, North America Operations and President of Novo Nordisk Inc. "We take these responsibilities to heart and want people to know what we are doing and how we can help."

   Availability of medicines
   We have ample supplies of medicines, including insulin, and we expect to be able to fulfill orders and replenish pharmacies in the US throughout this pandemic. However, because of periodic increases in demand, there may be times when local pharmacies are temporarily out of stock of diabetes medicines. We are working with our distributors to ensure that there is enough inventory to fill prescriptions quickly. Updates on product supply and other COVID-19 resources are available at NovoNordisk-US.com/covid19.

   We encourage patients to plan ahead and know that it may take some extra time to get a prescription filled.

   There are currently no delays in obtaining growth hormone or medicines for rare bleeding disorders.

   Affordability support at NovoCare.com
   This pandemic brings economic uncertainty, as well, and we have a variety of offerings on NovoCare.com to help ease the burden so many are facing. Available 24 hours a day, NovoCare.com has information, including eligibility details, on our lower-cost cash program, our free medicines assistance, and an option for those in immediate need of insulin. Help is also available at 1.844.NOVO4ME (1.844.668.6463).

   If those with a rare bleeding disorder are looking for support, please visit myNovoSecure.com for options.

   Supporting local relief efforts
   On April 1, 2020, Novo Nordisk in the US made a commitment to donate $500,000 to national relief organizations as well as to New York City/New Jersey/Philadelphia relief efforts, including Direct Relief, AmeriCares, the NYC Emergency COVID-19 Relief Fund, the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund and the Philadelphia COVID-19 Relief Fund. We are also supporting emergency assistance requests from our patient/advocacy organizations and our local communities to address basic needs of individuals and families. We're also expanding our matching gifts program until June 1, 2020.

   We also know that small businesses are significantly affected by this outbreak. To support that, we have temporarily suspended our standard contractual payment terms and we will be paying submitted invoices immediately for nearly 500 small and diverse companies working with Novo Nordisk across the United States.

   Keeping our employees safe
   Serving patients means that our family of more than 5,000 employees has to be available and healthy to ensure our continued operations. Starting on March 13, following the guidance from the CDC and local health authorities, our teams began working remotely, allowing them to help those who count on us and their own families.

   At our manufacturing facilities, we have implemented procedures to support the health and safety of our employees so they can continue production of our medicines 24/7.

   Novo Nordisk is supporting other efforts globally to control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). More information can be found at novonordisk.com. 

   About Novo Nordisk in the US
   Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company that's been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for 95 years. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat other serious diseases including obesity, rare bleeding disorders and growth disorders. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the formula for lasting success is to stay focused, think long-term and do business in a financially, socially and environmentally responsible way. With U.S. headquarters in New Jersey and production and research facilities in six states, Novo Nordisk employs more than 5,000 people throughout the country. For more information, visit novonordisk.us, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

   

    

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   SOURCE Novo Nordisk Inc.

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3. 02 January 2020 Novo Nordisk's new insulin affordability offerings now available in the US

   PLAINSBORO, N.J., Jan. 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Novo Nordisk launched the My$99Insulin Program, follow-on brands of insulins, and an Immediate Supply option, expanding its insulin affordability offering to help people with diabetes who need alternative solutions. These options, along with information on the existing patient assistance program, copay cards, and where to find $25/vial human insulin, are now available online at NovoCare.com or by calling 1.844.NOVO4ME (1.844.668.6463). 

   "We know some people still struggle to afford their insulin and we want to help. We've talked to people, including those who have been critical of us, and it's clear there is no one solution that will work for everyone and people need options," said Doug Langa…

   PLAINSBORO, N.J., Jan. 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Novo Nordisk launched the My$99Insulin Program, follow-on brands of insulins, and an Immediate Supply option, expanding its insulin affordability offering to help people with diabetes who need alternative solutions. These options, along with information on the existing patient assistance program, copay cards, and where to find $25/vial human insulin, are now available online at NovoCare.com or by calling 1.844.NOVO4ME (1.844.668.6463). 

   "We know some people still struggle to afford their insulin and we want to help. We've talked to people, including those who have been critical of us, and it's clear there is no one solution that will work for everyone and people need options," said Doug Langa, executive vice president, North America Operations and president of Novo Nordisk Inc. "That's why today, we have made available additional options recognizing the different situations that make insulin unaffordable or inaccessible. With these programs, in conjunction with NNI's investment in rebates to ensure our medicines are on formularies, we are continuing to take action to help people with diabetes afford their insulin as we work toward much needed longer-term change."

   Expanded affordability options now available

   • My$99Insulin: For $99, you can get up to three vials or two packs of FlexPen^®/FlexTouch^®/PenFill^® pens of any combination of Novo Nordisk Inc. insulins. By simply enrolling at NovoCare.com, you will receive an online card that can be downloaded and printed, saved to a phone, or emailed to a valid email address. This card can be redeemed with a prescription at the pharmacy where you buy your insulin. My$99Insulin is available to all eligible patients with or without insurance.

   • Follow-on brand insulins: Follow-on brand (also called authorized generics) versions of NovoLog^® and NovoLog^® Mix made by a Novo Nordisk A/S US company, Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc., are now stocked at the wholesaler level. People can order them at the pharmacy and they'll be available for pick up in 1-3 business days.

   • Prices for the follow-on brands are:

   				Product Name	WAC/Pkg
   				Insulin Aspart (FOB) vial	$144.68
   				Insulin Aspart PenFill® cartridge (FOB) - 5x3mL	$268.73
   				Insulin Aspart FlexPen® (FOB) - 5x3mL	$279.41
   				Insulin Aspart Mix 70/30 (FOB) 10mL vial	$150.06
   				Insulin Aspart Mix 70/30 FlexPen® (FOB) - 5x3mL	$279.41

   • These insulins may be able to lower the costs for those patients whose insurance requires that they have to pay list price through coinsurance or before meeting their deductible. Patients should check to see if their insurance plan covers these follow-on brands.

   • Immediate Supply: We also know that there may be instances when people are struggling and need insulin immediately because they might be at risk of rationing. People in this situation can call us at 1.844.NOVO4ME (1.844.668.6463) or visit NovoCare.com to see if we can provide a free, one-time, immediate supply of up to three vials or two packs of pens of Novo Nordisk insulin for individuals with a prescription. People will then be encouraged to find a longer-term solution from our broader affordability offerings.

   "We have heard that sometimes accessing our programs and medicines can be complicated and we want to change that. We have enhanced our one-stop-shop affordability hub, NovoCare^®, based on community feedback. And, we are doing more to make people aware of all the programs and options across Novo Nordisk companies that may benefit them," said Langa. "We'll continue working within the system and find additional short- and long-term actions we can take that will directly benefit people with diabetes. Most importantly, we encourage anyone who needs help to call us or visit NovoCare^®. A lot has changed and we want to connect people with affordability challenges with a solution."

   NovoCare.com
   NovoCare.com is the go-to resource for patients and healthcare professionals for all of Novo Nordisk's support programs. You just have to provide some basic information – what insulin is used, and healthcare coverage – at NovoCare.com to find options that fit your situation, such as:

   • Registering for available commercial copay savings cards
   • Accessing applications for our patient assistance program
   • Finding information about the My$99Insulin program
   • Learning about our commitment to affordability, including follow-on brands of insulin
   • Getting information about where to find $25 human insulin
   • Finding out if the medicine you were prescribed is covered by your insurance and how much you can expect to pay
   • Requesting an immediate supply of insulin with a prescription

   Affordability options already in place
   The new options build upon programs Novo Nordisk already offers including:

   • A Patient Assistance Program (PAP) has provided free medicines since 2003, which today includes all Novo Nordisk insulins. To be eligible:
   • You must be a US citizen or legal resident
   • Your total household income must be at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Visit the NeedyMeds website, which lists the current FPL guidelines
   • You cannot have any private prescription coverage, such as an HMO or PPO
   • You cannot have or qualify for:
   • Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prescription benefits 
   • Any federal, state, or local program such as Medicare or Medicaid. Exceptions include:
   • Medicare Part D patients who have spent $1,000 on prescription medicine in the current calendar year
   • Patients who are Medicare eligible and do not have Medicare Part D coverage who have applied for and been denied Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy (LIS). To apply for LIS, please contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or go to ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp/
   • Patients who are Medicaid eligible who have applied for and been denied Medicaid
   • A family of four with an annual income up to $103,000 may receive free medications through our PAP. For individuals, the annual income limit for participation is $49,960. We have offered this program since 2003 and in 2018, nearly 50,000 Americans received free insulin from Novo Nordisk through this program.

   • Novo Nordisk human insulin is available at national pharmacies like Walmart and CVS for about $25/vial. About 500,000 Americans are using Novo Nordisk human insulin through these retailers.

   • Copay Savings Cards to help defray the costs for commercially insured patients who are experiencing high out-of-pocket costs.

   To learn more about these offerings and to view full eligibility requirements, visit NovoCare.com or call 1.844.NOVO4ME (1.844.668.6463). 

   We continue our commitment to affordability and access
   We'll continue to work towards longer-term reform that makes it easier for people who need our medicines to get them. For instance, we support the recent IRS ruling that classifies diabetes medications as preventive care. We believe this has the potential to help a significant number of people with diabetes from an affordability perspective. Novo Nordisk employees who interact with decision makers are actively requesting that insurance plans adopt this rule.

   About Novo Nordisk:
   Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company based in Denmark, has been committed to discovering and developing innovative medicines to help people living with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for 95 years. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat other serious diseases including obesity, hemophilia and growth disorders. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the formula for success is to stay focused, think long term and do business in a financially, socially and environmentally responsible way. In the US, Novo Nordisk employs nearly 6,000 people across affiliate companies and production and research facilities in six states. 

   About Novo Nordisk Inc. (NNI):
   NNI is a US affiliate of Novo Nordisk. The company is based in Plainsboro, NJ and is responsible for commercialization of Novo Nordisk brands in the US and management of clinical trials in the US. For more information, visit novonordisk.us, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

   About Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc. (NNPI):
   Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc. (NNPI) is a newly established Novo Nordisk A/S US company that is also based in Plainsboro, NJ. The company was formed in March 2019 to bring follow-on brands of Novo Nordisk insulin products at a reduced list price for people facing affordability challenges.

   

    

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   SOURCE Novo Nordisk Inc. and Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc.

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4. 19 November 2019 New "Cities Changing Diabetes" public-private partnership in Philadelphia mobilizing against city's diabetes epidemic

   PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 100 health, faith, business and community leaders from across Philadelphia gathered today to learn about emerging research that identify general characteristics of neighborhoods that may make people more – or less – prone to developing type 2 diabetes, paving the way for more targeted interventions to prevent disease. As part of Cities Changing Diabetes, a global program sponsored by Novo Nordisk involving 25 cities around the world, these groups will be working together to develop new ways to try to change the trajectory of diabetes in Philadelphia.

   The research is beginning to identify three distinct types of Philadelphia neighborhoods associated with the likelihood of residents developing…

   PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 100 health, faith, business and community leaders from across Philadelphia gathered today to learn about emerging research that identify general characteristics of neighborhoods that may make people more – or less – prone to developing type 2 diabetes, paving the way for more targeted interventions to prevent disease. As part of Cities Changing Diabetes, a global program sponsored by Novo Nordisk involving 25 cities around the world, these groups will be working together to develop new ways to try to change the trajectory of diabetes in Philadelphia.

   The research is beginning to identify three distinct types of Philadelphia neighborhoods associated with the likelihood of residents developing type 2 diabetes:

   • "Socially Cohesive" neighborhoods have strong community structures in place where residents are engaged in local organizations and in their community.
   • Neighborhoods "Polarized by Change" face disruptive change that affects trust and local civic engagement.
   • Thirdly are places where there is less sense of community and people invest their time outside of their community, leading to neighborhoods "Less Anchored to Place"¹

   Data gathered from the Brewerytown, Overbrook, and Richmond/New Kensington sections of the city were used to identify types and characteristics.

   These findings are based on extensive, prior data analyses and neighborhood dialogues, as part of Cities Changing Diabetes, a global program sponsored by Novo Nordisk that helps cities around the world understand their unique diabetes challenges, identify areas and populations at greatest risk, and design and implement targeted solutions.

   "By looking for certain neighborhood characteristics, we get a better understanding of the driving factors behind the rise of diabetes and obesity in urban settings, then share and apply that knowledge to build health improvement strategies for people to live healthier lives," said Stephen H. Linder, PhD, director of The Institute of Health Policy at UT Health School of Public Health and lead researcher for Cities Changing Diabetes in the US.

   The Philadelphia research was conducted by the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) and UTHealth School of Public Health which is the lead research partner for Cities Changing Diabetes in the US. The research was sponsored by Novo Nordisk.

   Philadelphia is now the second city in the US and the 25^th city globally in the Cities Changing Diabetes network. Houston joined Cities Changing Diabetes five years ago and today has six initiatives that reach, empower and connect more than 75,000 Houstonians with diabetes prevention and management resources in their city.

   The Houston research identified behavioral/psychosocial characteristics of those who are more vulnerable to developing diabetes. The Philadelphia research builds on the approach used in Houston and takes it to the next level: the neighborhood.

   The research underscores the importance of community in addressing health and wellness and wellbeing. The Cities Changing Diabetes – Philadelphia coalition will use this information as it begins to develop and ultimately implement new programs to support diabetes prevention.

   "Diabetes doesn't have to be inevitable. But to change its trajectory, we need to prevent the disease in the first place. Medicines can't be the whole solution; we all need to look at the problem differently," said Doug Langa, executive vice president, North America Operations and President of Novo Nordisk Inc. "This can't be done alone, and no single organization can carry that burden. However, by working with like-minded stakeholders in cities like Philadelphia, we can take meaningful action, together."

   Diabetes in Philadelphia 
   Among the top 10 cities in US population, Philadelphia ranks fourth in diabetes prevalence.^2,3 In Philadelphia, nearly 1 million adults are estimated to have diabetes by 2030.⁴

   About Urban Diabetes and Cities Changing Diabetes 
   Cities are on the front line for diabetes. Two-thirds of people with diabetes globally live in cities. And, the highest growth in diabetes is expected to happen in urban settings.⁵

   A global program sponsored by Novo Nordisk, Cities Changing Diabetes is a private/public partnership that helps communities understand their unique diabetes challenges, identify areas and populations at greatest risk, and design and implement targeted solutions. It brings together medical and public health institutions, communities of faith, employers, insurers, and non-profit organizations. The program launched in the US in Houston five years ago, and today five initiatives have been sustained that reach, empower, and connect more than 75,000 Houstonians to improve diabetes prevention and management in their city. The program launched in Philadelphia in November 2019. For more information, follow #UrbanDiabetes and @citiesdiabetes.

   About Novo Nordisk 
   Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company that's been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for 95 years. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat other serious diseases including obesity, hemophilia and growth disorders. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the formula for lasting success is to stay focused, think long-term and do business in a financially, socially and environmentally responsible way. With U.S. headquarters in New Jersey and production and research facilities in six states, Novo Nordisk employs nearly 6,000 people throughout the country. For more information, visit novonordisk.us, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

   ¹ Data on file 
   ² United States Census Bureau. American Fact Finder. Annual estimates of the resident population for incorporated places of 50,000 or more, ranked by July 1, 2018 population. https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk. Accessed September 19, 2019. 
   ³ 2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 500 cities project: local data for better health. Interactive city map. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/500cities/index.htm . Accessed August 26, 2019. 
   ⁴ Institute for Alternative Futures. Diabetes 2030 forecasts, 2015: Philadelphia metropolitan area diabetes data & forecasts. https://altfutures.org/projects/diabetes-2030/ 
   ⁵ Bending The Curve On Urban Diabetes Briefing Book, Cities Changing Diabetes, 2017 (link)

   

    

    

    

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   SOURCE Novo Nordisk

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5. 10 September 2019 New international study: The hidden burden of diabetes on family members revealed

   New international study shows 64 per cent of family members of people
   with diabetes are worried or anxious about the risk of low blood sugar

   

   MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - People living with diabetes are not the only ones impacted by the condition. According to a new international study of 4,300 family members of people with diabetes, worrying about low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia or 'hypos', can place a significant burden on them too.¹

   Low blood sugar or "lows" as they are often referred to by people living with diabetes, are a well-known side-effect of diabetes treatment, especially when using insulin, and they can be very unpleasant and dangerous if not managed properly.

   To further understand how low blood sugar affects…

   New international study shows 64 per cent of family members of people
   with diabetes are worried or anxious about the risk of low blood sugar

   

   MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - People living with diabetes are not the only ones impacted by the condition. According to a new international study of 4,300 family members of people with diabetes, worrying about low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia or 'hypos', can place a significant burden on them too.¹

   Low blood sugar or "lows" as they are often referred to by people living with diabetes, are a well-known side-effect of diabetes treatment, especially when using insulin, and they can be very unpleasant and dangerous if not managed properly.

   To further understand how low blood sugar affects families living with diabetes, Novo Nordisk conducted a series of filmed experiments. In the experiments the person with diabetes and his/her family members were asked similar questions about their experiences with, and feelings about, low blood sugar in two separate rooms. After the interviews, they were shown each other's answers. The films are available at www.TalkAboutHypos.ca, along with materials that could help improve conversations about low blood sugar within the family, as well as with doctors.

   Hamilton resident Nicole Cleaver and her family participated in the global study. "It's not often that people with diabetes think about the impact that hypoglycemia can have on the entire family," says Nicole. "Understanding the risks low blood sugar can have is important. I have done my best to make sure that my family is aware of my diabetes and that there is nothing for others living with diabetes to be ashamed of. My family is all aware of what needs to be done when I have a low blood sugar reading and they take great care of me."

   Until now, there has been very little research into the impact of low blood sugar on the family members of people with diabetes. The results from this new international TALK-HYPO study, published today in Diabetes Therapy, show that up to 64 per cent of family members of people with diabetes are worried or anxious about the risk of low blood sugar,¹ highlighting the significance of this burden for the whole family.

   "We frequently hear from people living with diabetes and their caregivers that they fear a hypoglycemic event," says Seema Nagpal, vice president of Science & Policy with Diabetes Canada. "It changes how people participate in activities and negatively impacts quality of life. Listening to individuals living with diabetes and their families is an important part of optimizing management."

   Dr. Stewart Harris, Professor in Family Medicine/Division of Endocrinology/Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, and lead investigator for the TALK-HYPO study said: "There has been little research undertaken on the wider impact of low blood sugar on the family members of people living with diabetes. But something as simple as having an open and honest conversation can be incredibly beneficial. This study suggests that family members may be an important catalyst for more conversations about low blood sugar both within the family, as well as with healthcare professionals, and that these conversations may help improve the lives of people with diabetes."

   The TALK-HYPO study shows the importance of having more conversations about low blood sugar at home with the family, as well as with doctors, as 76 per cent believe that these conversations could lead to improvements in the life of their family member with diabetes.¹ The respondents also feel that conversations can help bring them closer together, and increases their understanding of how they can better help to manage the low blood sugar that their family member with diabetes experiences (85 per cent).¹

   Another interesting finding is that worrying about the risk of low blood sugar can also have a negative impact on the social life of the family members. Almost three in four (74 per cent) of the respondents that were helping their relative with diabetes to manage low blood sugar, said that they spend less time on, or completely miss out on, other activities such as hobbies, holidays or being with other friends or family as a result.¹

   About the TALK-HYPO study¹
   The TALK-HYPO study was funded by Novo Nordisk and aimed to understand the burden of low blood sugar on the family members of people with diabetes, and how conversations about low blood sugar can contribute to diabetes care.

   The questionnaire was completed by 4,300 relatives (37 per cent were parents/step-parents and 18 per cent were spouses/partners) of people living with diabetes (type 1 or type 2, taking insulin and/or secretagogues) across nine countries.

   TALK-HYPO study methodology:
   On behalf of Novo Nordisk, Ipsos interviewed 4,300 participants online. All participants were adult family members of people aged 18 and above with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who have been taking insulin or a secretagogue for at least 12 months. The survey was carried out across nine countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, UK, US and Denmark. Fieldwork took place from April 8 to May 6, 2019.

   About diabetes and low blood sugar
   Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that occurs when the body cannot properly produce or use insulin, the hormone that moves glucose (sugar) from food being eaten into the body's cells where it can be used for energy.²

   About hypoglycemia
   Hypoglycemia is defined when blood sugar levels are too low and cannot provide the body's organs with the energy they need. Hypoglycemia is most frequent in people with type 1 diabetes, followed by people with type 2 diabetes managed by insulin, and people with type 2 diabetes managed by sulfonylureas. Low blood sugar can cause a range of symptoms including trembling, sweating, anxiety, increased heart rate, difficulty with concentration, and in severe cases it can lead to seizures or a coma.³

   About Novo Nordisk
   Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat obesity, hemophilia, growth disorders and other serious chronic diseases. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 41,700 people in 77 countries and markets its products in more than 165 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.ca, Twitter, YouTube.

   References

   1. Alexandria Ratzki-Leewing, Ehsan Parvaresh Rizi, Stewart B. Harris. Family members: The Forgotten Players in the Diabetes Care Team (The TALK-HYPO Study). Diabetes Therapy. September 9, 2019. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13300-019-00687-y  
   2. Diabetes Canada. What is Diabetes? Accessed August 22, 2019. https://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-basics/what-is-diabetes
   3. Diabetes Canada. Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. Hypoglycemia. Accessed August 22, 2019. http://guidelines.diabetes.ca/cpg/chapter14#sec2.

   

   SOURCE Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.

   

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