Boehringer Ingelheim goes "Blue" in supporting World Diabetes Day activities

Ingelheim, Germany, 15 November 2013 – Raising awareness around the worldwide diabetes epidemic and supporting the invaluable efforts of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) were the main focus of the activities Boehringer Ingelheim scheduled around World Diabetes Day (WDD). At headquarters in Ingelheim and various other sites around the world, the week featured numerous diabetes-oriented events. These included employee education programs, offering nutritional menu choices, blood glucose screenings and promoting “Blue Friday,” a campaign focused on drawing attention to diabetes through blue clothing (www.facebook.com/WDDBlueFridays). Corporate offices were also illuminated in blue to show solidarity with diabetes at hundreds of structures around the world.

A major highlight of the week was the Boehringer Ingelheim “Run for Diabetes." Over 500 employees ran at the Boehringer Ingelheim campus on WDD to raise money to support IDF’s "Life for a Child Programme." Together with the proceeds from corporate sponsorship of a "Signature Wall" at the 49th European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting in Barcelona, Boehringer Ingelheim is contributing a total of €25,000 to support the "Life for a Child programme"

"With the dramatic rise of diabetes cases, especially in emerging markets, we are proud to continue supporting the pivotal work the "Life for a Child Programme" is accomplishing," said Glyn Parkin, Corporate Vice President PM Marketing Metabolism at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Our sponsorship of the programme supports urgent clinical care and education needed to help children with diabetes have an improved outcome."

The IDF “Life for a Child Programme” is currently helping over 12,000 children and youth afflicted by diabetes in 43 countries. It is an innovative and sustainable support programme where individuals, families and organisations contribute monetary or in-kind donations to help children with diabetes in developing countries.¹

"In many developing countries, children continue to die because of a lack of medicines," said Dr. Graham Ogle, General Manager of the IDF “Life for a Child Programme."  "The "Life for a Child Programme” is trying to give what every child deserves: the right to access essential medicines and treatments as well as diabetes education. The donations we receive allow us to help more and more children each year and we are really proud to see what we have achieved so far."

Social responsibility is a central element of Boehringer Ingelheim's culture. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim’s endeavours.

About World Diabetes Day
Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness. World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight.²