PLAINSBORO, N.J., Nov. 14,
2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthony
Anderson, star of ABC's hit comedy "black-ish," wants to
help people get real about diabetes. Today on World Diabetes Day,
he kicks off "Get Real About Diabetes™," a
collaboration with Novo Nordisk to help people like himself who are
living with type 2 diabetes get more support and education on the
importance of managing their disease. "Get Real About
Diabetes™" offers motivation for patients
needing an extra boost and encouragement to recommit to their
diabetes treatment care plan.
The three-time Emmy-nominated Anderson, age 47, was diagnosed
with type 2 diabetes in 2001. He struggled for years before getting
his blood sugar under control, which he credits to the support of
his family and doctors, an appropriate treatment regimen and
commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Details about how Anderson lives
with diabetes and his tips for others can be found on the
campaign's website (www.GetRealAboutDiabetes.com), and Facebook
page (www.facebook.com/GetRealAboutDiabetes).
"For a long time following my diagnosis, I didn't take type 2
diabetes as seriously as I should have, and I struggled to get my
blood sugar under control," said Anderson. "But, when my father
passed away from diabetes complications, I reflected on what it was
doing to me, and realized I had to change. I got real with myself
and talked to my doctor. I changed what I ate, put my body in
motion and was prescribed an injectable medication that was right
for me. Now, I'm the one in control."
Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease affecting more than 28
million people in the United
States (9.4 percent of the population).1 The
diagnosis is most common in adults and occurs when the body no
longer effectively uses or produces enough of the blood
sugar-regulating hormone, insulin, or is no longer properly able to
use the insulin the body produces. Even though type 2 diabetes
affects patients for life, it can be managed through healthy
eating, increasing physical activity and taking oral and/or
injectable medications, if appropriate, and as prescribed by a
doctor.2
"We know patients who've been living with diabetes for years can
feel frustrated with the daily commitment required, particularly if
they aren't at their blood sugar goal," said David Moore, senior vice president, Commercial,
Novo Nordisk. "Anthony experienced those same challenges, but made
the necessary lifestyle and treatment changes to better manage his
diabetes. We're excited to work with him and know his authentic way
of reaching people will have a meaningful impact in the diabetes
community."
"You never get a day off from diabetes, but you're not alone,"
said Anderson. "Your doctor can help. There are medications out
there that can help. Take me for instance – I'm on an injectable,
and was resistant at first to the idea, but I came around. My
doctor just had to get real with me, and I'm glad she did. So, if
you see me out there I'll be asking people straight up: Are you
doing enough to manage your blood sugar? Are you being real with
yourself? If not, now is the time."
"Get Real About Diabetes™" will showcase
Anderson in his daily life and highlight his personal story with
diabetes to educate, engage and motivate people who may struggle
with their daily diabetes management. Video clips, photography and
social media will feature Anderson's signature sense of humor and
style to help people get real about their own diabetes and recommit
to their health.
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a global
health care 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 other
serious chronic conditions: hemophilia, growth disorders and
obesity. With U.S. headquarters in Plainsboro, N.J., Novo
Nordisk Inc. has nearly 5,000 employees in the United States. For more information, visit
novonordisk.us or follow us on Twitter: @novonordiskus.
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes
Statistics Report, 2017.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf.
Updated 2017. Accessed October 31,
2017.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Diabetes.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html. Updated
July 25, 2017. Accessed October 31, 2017.
Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo
Nordisk A/S.
Get Real About Diabetes is a trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
© 2017 Novo Nordisk All rights
reserved.
USA17HPP03666 November 2017
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SOURCE Novo Nordisk