Novo Nordisk announced that it has donated $50,000 to the Diabetes Hands Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises diabetes awareness and connects people touched by the condition. The donation recognizes the success of the Drive the Switch program, which has motivated more than 10,000 patients to pledge to talk to their doctor about options for insulin delivery.“Many people with diabetes don’t realize that they have options when it comes to their diabetes management,” said Manny Hernandez, President, Diabetes Hands Foundation (DHF). “This campaign has done a great job of encouraging patients and their caregivers to have that dialogue with their health care professional and determine the best treatment option for them.”
In March, Novo Nordisk partnered with IZOD IndyCar Series driver and type 1 diabetes patient Charlie Kimball to launch Drive the Switch. As part of the campaign, people can pledge to speak with their physician by visiting www.DrivetheSwitch.com, or by signing a replica of Charlie Kimball’s race car at select IndyCar races and diabetes patient expos. In recognition of the positive response from the patient community, Novo Nordisk is making a donation to help the DHF improve the ways in which it connects people with diabetes.
“When I was first diagnosed, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to ever race again,” said Kimball, who drives the No. 83 Levemir® and NovoLog® FlexPen® Honda for Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing. “I’m living proof that you can pursue your dreams by being proactive in your diabetes management, and I look forward to motivating even more patients to talk to their doctor about treatment options.”
