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The American Diabetes Association is pleased to announce that Novo Nordisk, one of the world's leading companies in diabetes management and long-time supporter of the Association, has signed on as a National Premier Sponsor of Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes (Step Out) for 2011 and 2012. In addition, Novo Nordisk will recognize the thousands of people with diabetes who walk in the event as the National Red Strider Sponsor for Step Out. 

"The American Diabetes Association is thrilled to have Novo Nordisk join us in our movement to Stop Diabetes,” said Elizabeth Mayer-Davis, MSPH, PhD, President, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association.  “Events like Step Out not only raise funds to help change the future of diabetes, but they provide people with the opportunity to come together and be physically active, which helps people living with diabetes better manage their disease.” 

Step Out is the signature fundraising walk benefiting the Association. Every dollar raised through Step Out plays an important role in supporting the Association’s mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.  Step Out encourages people all across the country to take action by participating in the event, raising funds through donations from their family and friends, becoming vigilant about their health through physical activity and inspiring others to join the movement.

“Sponsoring Step Out is one other important way Novo Nordisk is supporting the American Diabetes Association and its efforts to serve people living with diabetes. We’re so pleased to be a part of this national effort,” said Andy Ajello, Corporate Vice President, Sales, Novo Nordisk. “We ask that everyone, including the business community which is actively forming employee teams across the country, join with the thousands who are walking to take steps toward fighting this disease.”

Physical activity, including walking, is an important tool in diabetes management, helping people living with diabetes to lead healthier lives.  For the nearly 26 million Americans with diabetes, it takes perseverance to live with and manage their health on a daily basis. At Step Out events across the country, individuals who are living with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes are celebrated through the Association’s Red Striders Program. With thousands of participants who share a similar story and hundreds more who support them, being a Red Strider is one step in their fight to live a healthier life. In 2010, more than 22,000 people participated in the Step Out event as Red Striders. 

“It is vital that health care professionals stress the importance of being active to patients who are living with diabetes and educate them on the health benefits of exercise,” said Mayer-Davis. “Health care professionals can encourage people living with diabetes to become a Red Strider and showcase the courage it takes to live with diabetes while benefiting their health through physical activity.”