Unique New Book Series from Novo Nordisk and JDRF Uses Customized Information by Age to Educate Children and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

PLAINSBORO, N.J. and NEW YORK, July 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk, the global diabetes leader and JDRF, the leading research and advocacy organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, announced today the launch of the first book series of its kind designed to guide children and their caregivers through the different ages and stages of life with T1D. The six-part book series, titled, "My Life, My Diabetes, My Way," includes booklets for small children (ages 2-6), tweens (ages 7-11), teens (ages 12-16), and young adults (ages 17-24), as well as a book for caregivers and a general diabetes informational book. Each booklet contains age-appropriate educational information and activities. The series is available to download for free at t1support.cornerstones4care.com and hard copies will be made available in pediatric and adult endocrinologist offices throughout the Unites States beginning July 5.

"Growing up with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can be challenging, and every age brings unique hurdles; it's critical to have education and support to help manage the disease no matter your age or stage of diabetes," said Margo K. Lucero, senior vice president, Corporate and international Development at JDRF. "JDRF is excited to offer education and support to the T1D community through resources like the JDRF Bag of Hope, which will include information about these materials. A T1D diagnosis can be challenging for families, so we welcome the opportunity to partner with Novo Nordisk to create this novel resource and get the books into the hands of people living with this disease."

"Novo Nordisk is committed to the T1D community and to providing educational resources and support that may help young people and their families not only cope with diabetes, but thrive in spite of it," said Camille Lee, senior vice president, Diabetes & Obesity Marketing at Novo Nordisk. "We understand that growing up with T1D comes with various sets of challenges. We're hopeful that this new resource will act as a roadmap to help children, young adults, and their caregivers navigate every stage of their diabetes care."

Novo Nordisk Patient Ambassador and American country music star, RaeLynn, who was diagnosed at age 12 and is now 22, understands the struggles of growing up with T1D. "Growing up is tough for everyone," RaeLynn says, "but a T1D diagnosis on top of that can make things even harder. Young people learning to manage their disease often feel overwhelmed and sometimes discouraged from dreaming big about their futures. As a Patient Ambassador for Novo Nordisk, it's my goal to connect children, teens, and young adults who have T1D with the resources they need to get through these important years. I want to show them that you can still pursue your dreams and achieve big things with diabetes."

JDRF and Novo Nordisk, with the help of RaeLynn, will launch the series today and distribute free books to attendees at the Children With Diabetes "Friends for Life^®" conference at the Orlando World Center Marriott.

About Diabetes
In the United States, more than 29 million people are affected by diabetes.¹ Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases.¹ Diabetes is emerging as one of the most serious health problems of our time; the number of Americans with diabetes has almost quadrupled over the past 30 years.²

About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare 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 more than 5,000 employees in the United States. For more information, visit novonordisk.us or follow us on Twitter: @novonordiskus. 

About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested nearly $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers in more than 100 locations throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter.

About "Friends for Life^®" Children with Diabetes Conference 
Friends for Life^® is an international gathering of world-renowned clinicians, researchers, physicians, adults, children, and families with diabetes to learn the most current information in diabetes care.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2014. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/statsreport14/national-diabetes-report-web.pdf. Accessed May 13, 2016.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Number (in Millions) of Civilian, Noninstitutionalized Adults with Diagnosed Diabetes, United States, 1980–2014. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/statistics/prev/national/figpersons.htm. Accessed May 13, 2016.

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