On the occasion of the first United Nations mandated World Diabetes Day, Novo Nordisk a world leader in diabetes care today organized in association with Delhi Diabetes Research Centre, a ‘Diabetes Walk’ in Delhi at Parliament Street. The event highlighted the rising prevalence of diabetes in India and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis to reduce the many complications associated with the disease and thereby save lives.

Hundreds of people from different walks of life, including children, joined the ‘Diabetes Walk’ in solidarity, pledging to fight the disease through awareness campaigns at various levels. In keeping with the United Nations mandate to ‘Unite for Diabetes’ on November 14th, Novo Nordisk (India) Private Limited, has partnered with the Apollo Hospital Group, to walk that extra mile in ensuring that patients education is heightened. This partnership is directed at maximizing efforts in diabetes awareness through various screening camps, patient education programmes and medical advocacy.

The event was flagged off by the Hon. Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Shri Choudhary Prem Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Shri Choudhary Prem Singh said, “India is considered to be the diabetes capital of world with its diabetic population of 41 million people as estimated in 2007 and is expected to rise to 80 million within just one generation. With one person dying every 10 seconds from diabetes complications, this World Diabetes Day walk organized by Novo Nordisk is a step to raise the bar in the fight against diabetes. it is vital that people come together to take serious cognizance of the ills associated with diabetes neglect and to associate with activities that would further an understanding of better diabetes management. I will appeal to the Government to provide free diabetes medication in all government hospitals for the diabetes affected people.”

Mr. Melvin Oscar D’Souza, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India said, “The percentage of people afflicted with diabetes in rapidly rising. Changing lifestyles, increasing stress levels, a genetic pre-disposition and most seriously, neglect of timely screening and treatment have resulted in a pandemic that has earned diabetes the title of silent killer in India. In our association with diabetes care for over 80 years, Novo Nordisk has ushered in various education platforms to positively impact on the lives of people. Our patient care activities have moved beyond the threshold of urban metros and are now mobilized towards interior areas in India.”

Dr. A.K.Jhingan, eminent diabetologist and Chairman of Delhi Diabetes Research Centre, addressing the gathering said: “Anyone can suffer from diabetes, even you. Today in India an estimated 41 million people are suffering from diabetes. This number is expected to rise to 79 million in 2030 and by2025 there will be an estimated 380 million affected people. We need to curb the menace now, or at least create more awareness on the issue. So, lets unite and pledge to do our utmost to fight this silent killer".

This walk symbolically also acknowledged the 246 million people estimated to live with diabetes worldwide. It highlighted the importance of joining forces to increase awareness about diabetes and emphasized the shared responsibility in improving the lives of people with diabetes.

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About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. The company has the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry, including the most advanced products within the area of insulin delivery systems. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs more than 25,350 employees in 79 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk’s B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘NVO’. For more information, visit novonordisk.com.