World Decision-Makers Confront Diabetes Pandemic at Novo Nordisk Global Changing Diabetes Leadership Forum

March 13, 2007

March 13, 2007 (Newswire) -- Former President Bill Clinton joined global diabetes leaders today in New York City to discuss ways to break the curve of the diabetes pandemic at a forum hosted by Novo Nordisk and supported by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

At the first meeting of policymakers, patient organizations, healthcare professionals, and media since the United Nations passed a resolution to address diabetes in December 2006, the discussion explored ways to make diabetes a global health priority and ultimately, improve the way the disease is treated.

Today, 20.8 million Americans -- or seven percent of the population -- have diabetes, at least 10 million of whom are not in control of the condition. It is estimated that one in three American children born in 2000 and beyond will develop type 2 diabetes. Worldwide, an estimated 246 million people have diabetes, a number that is expected to grow to 380 million within the next 20 years if no urgent action is taken. Diabetes accounts for 3.8 million deaths per year globally, similar in magnitude to HIV/AIDS.

The Global Changing Diabetes Leadership Forum hopes to redefine healthcare around the needs of people with diabetes.

"Recognizing that there is not a single answer to the diabetes pandemic, Novo Nordisk hopes to provide a forum for identifying multiple actions at all stages to combat diabetes -- from prevention to the treatment of serious complications," said Lars Rebien Sorensen, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk. "Only by placing the person with diabetes at the center of care and changing how healthcare systems around the world approach the disease can this silent killer be defeated."

Martin Silink, president of the IDF, emphasized that "the reality is that there will not be an automatic increase in funds for diabetes for either prevention or treatment in the short term. In developing countries, which bear 70% of the global burden of diabetes, the solutions will involve increasing access to proven but low-cost therapies."

During the two day Forum, attendees from around the world will participate in a series of workshops and dialogues designed to evoke a provocative debate about how to chart a course for changing diabetes management globally.

Posted by dlife at March 13, 2007 05:16 PM

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