Acting on the global challenge of an impending diabetes pandemic, Novo Nordisk employees engage in multiple activities to raise awareness and to help people with diabetes. On World Diabetes Day in November, this focus becomes particularly visible. It brings to life the very real issues of what it means to live with diabetes. These are just a few examples of what Novo Nordisk’s employees did in 2002 to raise awareness and funds.

Employees participated in a 2.5–5 km jog-a-thon, had a healthy menu in the canteens, had their blood glucose measured and spoke to a dietician or diabetes nurse about their diet and exercise. Proceeds were donated to diabetes education in Trinidad and Tobago.

2,000 volunteers and Novo Nordisk employees sold small blue whistles and handed out information on the streets in 20 cities to draw attention to diabetes. The proceeds were donated to the Czech Diabetes Association. A concert with famous musicians was also part of the event.

Novo Nordisk held a Diabetes Awareness Week in November for their employees with a related theme for each day, for example ‘Eating well for diabetes’. A walk to raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Association was also arranged, inviting other companies in the building to join.

Children with diabetes performed a play about the Danish royal family to an audience of 100 people. Novo Nordisk employees, in turn, performed ‘What the Old Man Does Is Always Right’ by Hans Christian Andersen. Proceeds were donated to the children’s diabetes association ‘Fund Preodolenie’.

In cooperation with the Spanish Diabetes Foundation, Novo Nordisk had the WDD logo and message printed on the popular lottery coupon of ONCE, the Spanish National Organisation of the Blind. Information was also sent to Members of Parliament.

Novo Nordisk organised a series of events with EU stakeholders, such as a public health workshop, a roundtable discussion in the European Parliament in Brussels and a diabetes testing event for MEPs in Strasbourg. All events were organised in partnership with IDF Europe.