Novo Nordisk Launches New Program To Recognize People With Type 2 Diabetes Who Give Back To Their Communities

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Jan 22, 2013, 05:00 ET

PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk, a world leader in diabetes care, today kicked off the first NovoLog^® Community Star contest. As part of the program, type 2 diabetes patients successfully managing their blood sugar with NovoLog^® (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) are invited to visit www.novolog.com and tell us how they're giving back to their local communities.

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Now through March 15, NovoLog^® patients can submit their story and photo online for the chance to be crowned a NovoLog^® Community Star.* Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges, and each will receive a $5,000 donation to a local diabetes-related organization of their choice. One grand prize winner will also receive a one-year online subscription to Weight Watchers^® to help with their diabetes management.

Two-time NFL Super Bowl Champion and NovoLog^® patient Kendall Simmons has partnered with Novo Nordisk to encourage people to get involved. Diagnosed in 2003, Kendall has been very active in his Alabama community, hosting an annual "Swing4Diabetes" charity golf tournament to raise money for a nearby diabetes and nutrition center.

"There is an army of unsung diabetes heroes out there, and I'm thrilled to partner with Novo Nordisk to find them," said Simmons. "Whether coaching a little league team, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or fundraising for charity, whatever it is that you're able to do to give back to your community, then we want to hear from you."

All NovoLog^® Community Star finalists will have the choice of a $5,000 donation made in their name to one of several third party organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, Produce for Better Health Foundation, and Insulindependence. Entries will be accepted for approximately eight weeks, and finalists will be announced later this year.

"We are excited to launch the first nation-wide NovoLog^® Community Star program," said Camille Lee, corporate vice president, Diabetes Marketing. "Our company was founded for people with diabetes and this contest is a great way to shine a local light on all of the positive work they can accomplish."

Official Rules for submission are available by visiting www.novolog.com. If you have type 2 diabetes, or know someone who does, go online to share your inspiring story and learn more about insulin treatment and delivery options today.

Weight Watchers^® is a registered trademark of Weight Watchers International, Inc.

Indications and Usage
What is NovoLog^® (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection)?

NovoLog^® is a man-made insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

Important Safety Information
Who should not use NovoLog^®?

Do not use NovoLog^® if your blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia) or you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking NovoLog^®?

About all of your medical conditions, including liver or kidney problems.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to do either.
About all prescription and nonprescription medicines you take, including supplements, as your dose may need to change.

How should I take NovoLog^®?

Eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes after using NovoLog^®, a fast-acting insulin, to avoid low blood sugar. Do not inject NovoLog^® if you do not plan to eat right after your injection or bolus pump infusion.
Do not mix NovoLog^® with any other insulin when used in a pump or with any insulin other than NPH when used with injections by syringe.
Do not change your dose or type of insulin unless you are told to by your healthcare provider.
Do not share needles, insulin pens, or syringes.
Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your healthcare provider.

What should I consider while using NovoLog^®?

Alcohol, including beer and wine, may affect your blood sugar.
Be careful when driving a car or operating machinery. You may have difficulty concentrating or reacting if you have low blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare provider if you often have low blood sugar or no warning signs of low blood sugar.

What are the possible side effects of NovoLog^®?

Low blood sugar, including when too much is taken. Some symptoms include sweating, shakiness, confusion, and headache. Severe low blood sugar can cause unconsciousness, seizures, and death.
Serious allergic reactions may occur. Get medical help right away, if you develop a rash over your whole body, have trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, or sweating.
Other side effects include injection site reactions (like redness, swelling, and itching), skin thickening or pits at the injection site, swelling of your hands and feet, vision changes, low potassium in your blood, and weight gain.

*Certain restrictions apply. See official rules for entry information.

Please visit www.novolog.com for Prescribing Information.

About Novo Nordisk
Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 89 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. For more information, visit novonordisk-us.com or follow our news in the US on Twitter: @NovoNordiskUS

About Diabetes
In the United States, 25.8 million people have diabetes[i], a condition in which the body does not produce enough or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

NovoLog^® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.

[i] 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control Website. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf. Accessed November 28, 2012.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk Inc.