Lars Sorensen CEO of Novo Nordisk, the world leading insulin producer, spoke at the Reuters Health Summit on Wednesday, and gave clear guidance on the impact of U.S. healthcare reform.

In the short term sales may be  hit as a result of planned Medicare changes and a promise by pharma companies to help fund wider access to medicines. But in the longer term, increased coverage for more Americans suffering from diabetes would have a positive effect on diabetes drug sales.

Or in the words of Mr. Sorensen: “We would anticipate there is going to be a drag on the top line for a couple of years, perhaps three years,” he said. “Volume impact would happen three years and onward.”