- Ben Vereen Issues a Call-to-Action for People with Diabetes to Join
Him to Take the Stage and Act on Their Diabetes Today
BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tony
Award-winning actor and Broadway star Ben Vereen is partnering with
sanofi-aventis, a world leader in diabetes care, to launch Take the Stage
for Diabetes Awareness, a national awareness campaign designed to educate
people living with diabetes about their condition. Since he was diagnosed
with type 2 diabetes in 2007, Mr. Vereen has worked hard to manage his
condition and is now urging others living with diabetes to work with their
healthcare providers to find the best overall treatment plan for them.
"When I was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I was very scared and
confused. After I accepted the initial diagnosis, I committed to doing
everything I could to manage my diabetes," said Mr. Vereen. "My doctor
talked to me about the importance of managing my blood sugar levels to help
reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. I worked closely with
him to find the treatment plan that was right for me and now I want to urge
others living with diabetes to do the same."
For some, controlling blood sugar levels may require diet, exercise
and/or taking oral diabetes medications. For others, adding insulin to
their overall diabetes treatment plan may be necessary to help maintain
control of their blood sugar levels.
"I had many doubts and fears about taking insulin. I was worried the
injections would be painful and interfere with my daily schedule," said Mr.
Vereen. "Since I never wanted diabetes to define who I am or stop me from
doing the things I love, I kept an open mind about all potential treatment
options. My doctor and I decided together that along with watching the
types of foods I eat and exercising regularly, I should start using insulin
to help manage my blood sugar. My treatment plan has gotten my blood sugar
where it needs to be and now my diabetes is under control."
As a part of Take the Stage for Diabetes Awareness, Mr. Vereen is
kicking off a nation-wide tour, traveling around the country with
healthcare professionals to educate people living with diabetes and their
families about the importance of diabetes awareness. He will share his
personal story about living with type 2 diabetes and speak about how
essential it is to find the best diabetes treatment plan for them. While
living with diabetes is not always easy, the first step to managing it is
to get serious about your health and talk with your treating healthcare
provider about all available diabetes treatment options and your individual
blood sugar goals.
"The good news for people living with diabetes is that the condition is
manageable," said Michael Bush, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of
Medicine, UCLA, and Division of Endocrinology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
"However, treatment regimens may need to be changed or adjusted over time,
and many people living with type 2 diabetes who currently manage their
condition through diet, exercise and taking oral medications alone, may
eventually require the addition of insulin to their treatment plan. That is
why it is so important to regularly talk with your doctor about which
treatment plan is best for you."
"I am lucky -- I have a great doctor who helped me reach my personal
treatment goals," said Mr. Vereen. "But, it is important for people to know
that I take action everyday to maintain my blood sugar control. Checking my
blood sugar levels often, continuing to make healthy food choices,
exercising regularly, monitoring my activity levels, and taking my diabetes
medication as prescribed has become part of my daily routine."
To read Mr. Vereen's personal story about living with diabetes, or for
more information about diabetes, treatment, and care, please visit
http://www.BensDiabetesStory.com.
About Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic, widespread condition in which the body does not
produce or properly use insulin - the hormone needed to transport glucose
(sugar) from the blood into the cells of the body for energy. More than 230
million people worldwide are living with the disease, and this number is
expected to rise to a staggering 350 million within 20 years. It is
estimated that nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, including an
estimated 5.7 million who remain undiagnosed.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers,
develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of
everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York
(NYSE: SNY).
US Contacts:
Carrie Melia
Carrie.melia@sanofi-aventis.com
908-981-6486
SOURCE sanofi-aventis
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Related links:
http://www.BensDiabetesStory.com
http://www.sanofi-aventis.us
CONTACT:
Carrie Melia, of sanofi-aventis,
Carrie.melia@sanofi-aventis.com, +1-908-981-6486
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