MEDIA RELEASE PR36697
Diabetes Conversation Map(TM) Education Tools Celebrate One-Year Anniversary
MONTREAL, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
IDF World Diabetes Congress Marks Major Milestone and
Availability of Tools in 68 Countries, 31 Different Languages
This October marks the one-year anniversary of the international launch
of the ground-breaking diabetes Conversation Map(TM) education tools. Created
by Healthy Interactions, a global leader in health education, in
collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Eli Lilly and
Company and other leading diabetes experts, the unique Conversation Map(TM)
education tools have been implemented in 68 countries, excluding the United
States, in 31 different languages in the last 365 days. To complete the
global launch, redesigned diabetes Conversation Map(TM) education tools will
be unveiled throughout Canada in January 2010, along with a new Map designed
for parents and children to learn together. New tools will also be introduced
to several Sub-Saharan African countries by early next year.
To celebrate the anniversary, IDF and the Canadian Diabetes Association
are hosting a "Celebration of Education" Diabetes Conversations symposium
sponsored by Lilly. The symposium will attract diabetes educators from
throughout the world, during IDF's 20th World Diabetes Congress on October
20, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.
"Given Lilly's strong heritage in diabetes, we strive to effectively
partner with others throughout the world to advocate for better education and
greater access to comprehensive diabetes information; to put in place tools
to support better self management and provide guidance," said Joachim Becker,
International Marketing Director, Diabetes, Eli Lilly and Company. "Through
the Conversation Map(TM) tools experience, our hope is to generate a new
educational movement and inspire millions of people living with diabetes to
seek success in the power of the diabetes conversation."
The tools, which provide a dynamic learning experience for people living
with diabetes, were first introduced in Europe last year, then in Latin
America and Asia throughout 2008 and 2009. With more than 16,000 educational
kits already distributed since launch, there is an extensive network of
leadership and support partners within healthcare and government
organizations around the world using and supporting the tools. In addition,
more than 100 credentialed healthcare professionals, representing 68
countries and referred to as "Expert Trainers," have been trained not only on
how to use the tools, but also on how to train other locally-based diabetes
educators to conduct Conversation Map(TM) education sessions. As a result,
these Expert Trainers have spurred an educational movement for thousands of
people living with diabetes.
Currently, 285 million people live with diabetes worldwide and the number
is projected to increase dramatically within the next 20 years.(1) Unlike
other diseases, people with diabetes are responsible for 95 percent of their
own care. Yet, many are faced with managing this disease - including making
complex daily medical decisions - without proper education regarding their
diabetes.(2)
"As part of our Global Education Programme to spread the word about
diabetes education and prevention, IDF is working to identify and fill gaps
in the provision of diabetes education worldwide," said Helen McGuire, global
education manager, International Diabetes Federation. "We are pleased that
educational instruments such as the Map tools are available to help prepare
people with diabetes to make informed decisions and behavioral changes and,
ultimately, better equip them to effectively manage their diabetes."
Designed for groups of three to 10, the Conversation Map(TM) education
tools use the power of small group dialogue and collaborative learning to
improve personal health management and enhance interactions between people
with diabetes and healthcare professionals. The Conversation Map(TM)
education tools are culturally relevant and customized according to
geographic location and specifically target topics identified as most
critical for supporting successful diabetes self-management, including:
-- Living with Diabetes
-- How Diabetes Works
-- Healthy Eating and Keeping Active
-- Starting Insulin
"Healthy Interactions is committed to working in productive partnerships
that combat pressing health challenges such as diabetes," said Andrew
Leong-Fern, co-founder of Healthy Interactions. "We've already seen the
profound difference the tools have made both in the lives of people with
other chronic conditions as well as healthcare professionals, by dramatically
improving engagement among people with diabetes. We are excited to watch the
diabetes Map tools continue to empower individuals to draw new insights for
better disease management."
Beginning in fall 2008, the Map tools have evolved into one of industry's
most attractive educational programs, granting people living with and
treating diabetes access to this innovative resource to help them overcome
the daily challenges of the disease. For more information about the
About Healthy Interactions, Inc.
A global leader in health education, Healthy Interactions, Inc. is
devoted to driving Personal Health Engagement - our term for helping
individuals commit to healthier actions. We create powerful educational
approaches that inspire valuable insights which change personal health
behaviours. We build partnerships with leading medical and disease
associations, not-for-profit organizations, corporations, and caring
healthcare professionals trained in our approaches, enabling millions of
people to take control of their health and live their best lives. Founded in
2003, Healthy Interactions is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
About the International Diabetes Federation
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization
of over 200 member associations in more than 160 countries, advocating for
the more than 285 million people with diabetes, their families, and their
healthcare providers. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and
a cure worldwide. The International Diabetes Federation is an NGO in official
relations with the World Health Organization and an associated NGO with the
United Nations Department of Public Information. The International Diabetes
Federation leads the World Diabetes Day and Unite for Diabetes campaigns.
About Lilly Diabetes
For more than 85 years, Lilly has been a worldwide leader in pioneering
industry-leading solutions to support people living with and treating
diabetes. Lilly introduced the world's first commercial insulin in 1923, and
remains at the forefront of medical and delivery device innovation to manage
diabetes. Lilly is also committed to providing solutions beyond therapy --
practical tools, education and support programs to help overcome barriers to
success along the diabetes journey. At Lilly, the journeys of each person
living with or treating diabetes inspire ours.
About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing
portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its
own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific
organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers -
through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent
medical needs.
C-LLY
(1) IDF Diabetes Atlas, Fourth Edition 2009.
(2) About World Diabetes Day.
October 2009.
SOURCE: Eli Lilly and Company
NOTE TO EDITORS: The Conversation Map(TM) education tool has been
available in the UK since March 2008. It was created by Healthy Interactions
in collaboration with Diabetes UK and sponsored by Lilly
CONTACT: International Diabetes Federation: Kerrita McClaughlyn,
+32487530625, media@idf.org; or Lilly Diabetes: Tim Coulom, +1-317-655-2998,
Coulom_Timothy_D@lilly.com; or Healthy Interactions: Paul Lasiuk,
+1-312-543-6356, PaulLasiuk@healthyi.com
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