Sanofi Diabetes today announces £10,000 funding for projects to support optimum diabetes management
Guildford, UK – 15th March 2013 – Sanofi Diabetes announces today a £10,000 donation to help fund three Diabetes UK initiatives at their annual professional conference in Manchester. This was marked by a cheque signing ceremony with Barbara Young, Chief Executive, Diabetes UK.
The initiatives support a wide range of people who are affected by both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, whether that is children with Type 1 diabetes being able to socialise and learn from others of a similar age, events for families who have a child with Type 1 diabetes as well as providing life-changing information and advice to a variety of diverse communities.
The first project supports Diabetes UK Children and Young People’s Events which offer a unique opportunity to be among peers who understand what life is like with Type 1 diabetes, especially as for many it is the first step to managing their own diabetes. Developing a positive attitude and establishing self-confidence in the management of diabetes is the cornerstone of a young person’s development in coping with their diabetes. In a fun-filled residential event, children enjoy activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking and just relaxing with new friends.
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The second project focuses on Family Events which are organised for the whole family, to meet with others who have a child with Type 1 diabetes so that they can form friendships and gain support. During these residential events, parents attend relaxed supportive and informative discussion groups covering such topics as hypos (episodes of low blood sugar), what care to expect, healthy eating choices, carb counting and emotional care. Children (including siblings without diabetes) have their own programme enjoying fun activities and educational sessions.
The third project creates diabetes awareness films for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities and will be distributed through social media and promoted through BAME television channels, as well as traditional channels. Each film will include core messages around diabetes awareness, risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and measures to reduce this risk as well as case studies from people living with Type 2 diabetes.
The films will also focus on characteristics and behaviours of people from BAME backgrounds reflecting the cultural diversity of different groups. It will also provide a call to action, encouraging the communities to talk to their family, seek support and visit their GP for further advice.
Caroline Horwood, Diabetes Division Director, Sanofi Diabetes says: “Sanofi Diabetes is committed to supporting people with diabetes, as well as their families, by providing information, assistance and opportunities to share emotional and practical experiences of living with diabetes through engaging and worthy initiatives such as these with Diabetes UK. We look forward to seeing how our funding helps to deliver these three projects.”
Barbara Young, Chief Executive, DUK says: “These are three very valuable projects that all have the potential to make a real difference to people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, or at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. We are extremely grateful for Sanofi’s support for them.”
By visiting the Sanofi Diabetes stand at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference, healthcare professionals were able to vote for which of the three initiatives they wanted to see receive the funding. At the end of the conference the £10,000 donation was split proportionally across the three projects.
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About Sanofi Diabetes
Sanofi strives to help people manage the complex challenge of diabetes by delivering innovative, integrated and personalised solutions. Driven by valuable insights that come from listening to and engaging with people living with diabetes, the Company is forming partnerships to offer diagnostics, therapies, services and devices, including innovative blood glucose monitoring systems. Sanofi markets both injectable and oral medications for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
About Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK is the leading UK charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes. For more information on all aspects of diabetes and access to Diabetes UK activities and services, visit www.diabetes.org.uk
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Olivia BAILEY
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