Novo Nordisk announces Anil Kumble as ‘Changing Diabetes’ brand ambassador

New Delhi: Lending support to the Changing Diabetes in Children initiative, Mr Anil Kumble, a leading sports icon and newly appointed Changing Diabetes ambassador has joined hands with Novo Nordisk as partner in the fight against diabetes. Adored by the masses, Anil’s support will help Novo Nordisk in creating more awareness about among children and adults, mentioned the press note released by the company.

Mr Kumble was present at the launch of a textbook on type 1 diabetes on 9th August at New Delhi. Authored by 48 leading Indian Endocrinologists, Paediatric Endocrinologists and Diabetologists, the book was launched by Mr Navdeep Rinwa, Joint Secretary Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It has been prepared by the Novo Nordisk Education Foundation (NNEF), a not-for-profit foundation and has been supported by Novo Nordisk, a leading global diabetes care company.

Lauding the initiative, Mr Navdeep Rinwa stated, “To address the diabetes crisis, we all need to work collectively to ensure children with type 1 diabetes get timely access to care. The government is focused and committed towards providing people with diabetes quality medical treatment and ensuring every citizen is made aware about diabetes for early diagnosis.”

Also present at the launch, Dr P Raghupathy, Chairperson, Changing Diabetes in Children program said: “The book will be a milestone in assisting doctors in treating children with type 1 diabetes. Also students of medicine will find the book useful in addressing queries associated with type 1 diabetes.”

Reiterating its commitment towards bringing down the rate of diabetes and its incidence in the country, Mr Melvin D’souza, Managing Trustee, NNEF said: “We are honoured to have Mr Navdeep Rinwa, launch this first-of-its-kind book on type 1 diabetes authored by Indian doctors. We are sure that this highly specialized book will prove to be a great help in capacity building among doctors and medical students on management of children with type 1 diabetes. Our Changing Diabetes® in Children program is currently helping over 4000 children in India, by providing them free medication and healthcare advice. This is our commitment towards building a healthier future of India.”

According to International Diabetes Federation, there are an estimated 81,400 children under the age of 15 living with type 1 diabetes in the South East Asia Region.  India accounts for the majority of children with type 1 diabetes and is home to over 70,200 children.

The Changing Diabetes in Children program is Novo Nordisk Education Foundation’s response to the diabetes challenge. The NNEF has been working to raise awareness, improve access to care and address psychosocial aspects of diabetes among children to improve their lives.

Addressing the media at the briefing, Mr Anil Kumble said: “It is evident that diabetes_ is on the rise in India. I am glad that I have the opportunity to be a part of the Changing Diabetes mission spearheaded by Novo Nordisk. Through this platform, I appeal to each citizen to not take diabetes lightly. Timely diagnosis and early initiation of treatment combined with simple lifestyle modifications can help in managing diabetes better.”

Through strong awareness campaigns such as Changing Diabetes in Children and Changing Diabetes Barometer, Novo Nordisk Education Foundation has made a difference to the lives of millions of Indians living with diabetes, mentioned the statement.