KENILWORTH,
N.J., April 25, 2017
/PRNewswire/ -- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside
the United States and Canada, and the American Diabetes Association
today revealed common challenges affecting the millions of
Americans living with type 2 diabetes as part of the program
America's Diabetes Challenge: Get to Your Goals. Last year,
award-winning artist Tim McGraw,
renowned actress S. Epatha Merkerson
and Chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz called on patients and their
loved ones to share their stories – from inspirational successes to
daily struggles. Thousands of people from across the country
responded, and revealed common challenges like eating healthy,
exercising, sticking to a treatment plan and coping with the
disease.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7988751-merck-americas-diabetes-challenge-tim-mcgraw-s-epatha-merkerson-chef-leticia-moreinos-schwartz/
"Type 2 diabetes has affected my family, friends and fans, so
I've learned it can be challenging to manage. It was great to hear
from so many people, and I'm impressed by everyone's dedication to
their health," said McGraw. "The stories we received shed an
important light on the similar hardships people in the community
face as they work toward achieving their blood sugar goals."
Since its inception three years ago, America's Diabetes
Challenge has encouraged people with type 2 diabetes to work
with their doctor to set and reach their A1C (average blood glucose
level over the past 2 to 3 months) goal. It is also designed to
help people learn if they are at risk of low blood glucose, known
as hypoglycemia, and how to help reduce that risk. Managing blood
glucose through diet, exercise and medication (if prescribed) is
key to treating diabetes, but it is not easy. Nearly 30 million
Americans have diabetes, approximately 90 to 95 percent of whom
have type 2 diabetes. About one-third of adults with diabetes are
not at their A1C goal. In addition, although many people are
aware of the importance of managing high blood glucose, they may
not know the causes and symptoms of low blood glucose.
America's Diabetes Challenge is now providing tips that
address the community's common challenges and will help people work
with their doctor to set and reach their blood glucose goals.
"I've been living with type 2 diabetes for 14 years, and I've
definitely had my share of ups and downs," said Merkerson. "But,
I've come to realize that I'm not alone; people living with type 2
diabetes all have their struggles, and being proactive can make a
big difference. I'm eager to try these tips, especially when I'm
spending long hours on set, and I look forward to seeing everyone's
progress as they take this next step with me."
People can visit AmericasDiabetesChallenge.com to access the
information below, and they should speak with their doctor before
making any changes to their individualized treatment plan:
- Eating Healthy: Eating healthy does not
have to be boring. For extra flavor, people can use salt-free
spices and herbs like dried basil, cumin, chili powder and cayenne.
Finding ways to enjoy food may make it easier to maintain a healthy
diet
- Exercising: Working out with a friend or
partner can make fitness fun, and making a plan with someone can
help keep people committed to their exercise goals. People should
make sure to talk to their doctor before starting or making any
changes to their exercise routine
- Sticking to a Treatment Plan: People who are
prescribed medication by their doctor may struggle to remember to
take it. Using a pillbox that is filled each week or scheduling
reminders on a phone may be helpful
- Coping with the Disease: Whether it is a doctor,
family member or friend, patients should surround themselves with
people who can support them when they struggle and celebrate with
them when they reach a goal
"In 2016, the American Diabetes Association and Merck ignited a
genuine and essential dialogue with the type 2 diabetes community
that brought the realities of living with the disease to the
forefront," said Alicia H.
McAuliffe-Fogarty, PhD, CPsychol, Vice President of
Lifestyle Management, American Diabetes Association. "We're proud
to collaborate on America's Diabetes Challenge again this
year and to deliver on our joint promise to help address the
challenges people with diabetes and their loved ones
experience."
As people try the program tips, they can share how they are
putting them into action by submitting a photo, story or video at
AmericasDiabetesChallenge.com. On the website, they will find
additional information and resources to help them manage their
overall treatment plan and reach their blood glucose goals.
Patients and their loved ones can also join the America's
Diabetes Challenge community by visiting
facebook.com/AmericasDiabetesChallenge.
About Type 2 Diabetes
More than 29 million Americans
have diabetes, and 90 to 95 percent of these people have type 2
diabetes. When someone has type 2 diabetes, the body does not make
enough insulin and/or the insulin that the body makes does not work
properly. This causes blood glucose levels to become too high,
and the body may also keep making glucose even though it does not
need it. Once a person has type 2 diabetes, it does not go away,
and high blood glucose levels over time can lead to serious health
problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
About the American Diabetes Association
More than 29
million Americans have diabetes, and every 23 seconds another
person is diagnosed with diabetes. The American Diabetes
Association (Association) is the global authority on diabetes and
since 1940 has been committed to its mission to prevent and cure
diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by
diabetes. To tackle this global public health crisis, the
Association drives discovery in research to treat, manage and
prevent all types of diabetes, as well as to search for cures;
raises voice to the urgency of the diabetes epidemic; and provides
support and advocacy for people living with diabetes, those at risk
of developing diabetes and the health care professionals who serve
them. For more information, please call the American Diabetes
Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit
diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available
in English and Spanish. Find us on Facebook (American Diabetes
Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram
(@AmDiabetesAssn).
About Merck
For more than a century, Merck, a leading
global biopharmaceutical company known as MSD outside of
the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing
forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most
challenging diseases. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines,
biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with
customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver
innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to
increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies,
programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the
forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of
diseases that threaten people and communities around the world -
including cancer, cardio-metabolic diseases, emerging animal
diseases, Alzheimer's disease and infectious diseases including HIV
and Ebola. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect
with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram,
YouTube and LinkedIn.
Media
Contacts:
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Megan Wilkinson
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Merck
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267-305-6463
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Michelle
Kirkwood
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American Diabetes
Association
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703-299-2053
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SOURCE Merck