KENILWORTH, N.J., April 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck (NYSE:
MRK), known as MSD outside the United
States and Canada, and the
American Diabetes Association today issued a new challenge to the
millions of Americans affected by type 2 diabetes as part of the
program America's Diabetes Challenge: Get to Your Goals. In
2015, award-winning artist Tim
McGraw, celebrated actress S. Epatha
Merkerson and chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz each shared
their personal connection to type 2 diabetes. This year, they're
calling on people to share their stories.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7785551-merck-americas-diabetes-challenge/
Living with diabetes isn't easy, and that's why America's
Diabetes Challenge encourages people with type 2 diabetes to
work with their doctor to set and reach their A1C goal.1
The program will aim to identify the most common challenges
patients submit and will offer tips to help address them. The
program is also designed to help people learn if they're at risk of
low blood glucose, known as hypoglycemia, and how to help reduce
that risk.
"I joined America's Diabetes Challenge because I've seen
type 2 diabetes affect my family, friends and fans. I've listened
as they've shared their challenges and successes with managing it,"
said McGraw. "I'm calling on all Americans to join me and share
their stories. I especially want to hear what motivates people to
take charge of their diabetes, or how they help family and friends
do the same."
Since 2014, America's Diabetes Challenge has traveled the
nation, interacting with patients and their loved ones. Many have
already expressed that they've had difficulty reaching their A1C
goal, eating healthy foods, visiting their doctor regularly and
keeping their blood glucose levels in their target range. People
have also voiced successes that helped them reach their A1C goal,
such as sticking to individualized diabetes management plans. This
year, the program aims to bring these experiences to life by
encouraging anyone who has type 2 diabetes or has a loved one
living with diabetes to submit their stories through messages,
photos or videos at AmericasDiabetesChallenge.com.
"The American Diabetes Association is proud to collaborate with
Merck on this important program focused on helping to improve the
lives of people affected by diabetes," said Margaret Powers, PhD, RD, CDE, President,
American Diabetes Association. "By highlighting the most common
challenges and offering tips to address these challenges,
America's Diabetes Challenge raises awareness about having
an A1C goal and an individual diabetes management plan."
A personalized diabetes management plan is the necessary
foundation to help achieve better blood glucose control. The
Association recommends that people with diabetes have an
individualized A1C goal; the A1C goal for many adults with diabetes
is less than 7 percent. A higher or lower goal may be appropriate
for some people. However, about one-third of adults living with
diabetes aren't at their A1C goal.
"I worked closely with my doctor to establish my A1C goal, which
is often the first challenge that many patients face. Through the
program, I've also learned more about the importance of reducing
the risk of low blood sugar, another common challenge," said
Merkerson. "I tell my story because I want to help others know that
they're not alone. A single voice can truly make a difference, so
please, share your story."
Many people with diabetes are aware of the importance of
controlling high blood glucose by diet, exercise and taking
medicine (if prescribed by their doctor), but they may not know
that blood glucose can also go too low. Hypoglycemia can make you
feel shaky, dizzy, sweaty and sometimes faint. If left untreated,
hypoglycemia may cause serious side effects, including a seizure or
loss of consciousness. Some people may be aware that low blood
glucose can be caused by skipping meals or exercising excessively,
but what they may not know is that certain diabetes medicines could
also cause it to go too low.
America's Diabetes Challenge seeks to empower people with
type 2 diabetes to reach their blood glucose goals and share their
stories. For more information and to share your story, visit
AmericasDiabetesChallenge.com. You can also join the America's
Diabetes Challenge community by visiting
facebook.com/AmericasDiabetesChallenge.
About Type 2 Diabetes
Nearly 30 million Americans
have diabetes, and 90 to 95 percent of these people have type 2
diabetes. When someone has type 2 diabetes, the body doesn't make
enough insulin and/or the insulin that the body makes doesn't work
properly. This causes blood glucose levels to become too high,
and the body may also keep making glucose even though it doesn't
need it. Once a person has type 2 diabetes, it doesn't go away, and
high blood glucose levels over time can lead to serious health
problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American
Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its
consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The
Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes;
delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective
and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their
rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission has been
to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people
affected by diabetes. For more information, please call the
American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or
visit diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is
available in English and Spanish.
About Merck
For 125 years, Merck has been a global
health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck is
known as MSD outside the United
States and Canada. Through
our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal
health products, we work with customers and operate in more than
140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also
demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care
through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more
information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter,
Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
1 average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3
months
Media
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Pam
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Investor
Contact:
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Justin
Holko
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Merck
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Merck
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267-305-3558
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908-740-1879
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Megan
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Merck
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Michelle
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American Diabetes
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703-299-2053
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SOURCE Merck