New online customizable resource for managing diabetes

Every year, 1.6 million people older than 20 are diagnosed with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. The disease is emerging as one of the most serious health problems of our time, with nearly 24 million people affected - that's 7.8 percent of the United States population, or roughly the population of the state of Texas.

It's a disease that cannot be cured and demands major lifestyle changes and ongoing support; however, people living with diabetes can still effectively manage the disease so that a full and active life is possible.

To provide on-going support to help patients with diabetes achieve their personal goals, global diabetes care company Novo Nordisk has launched a comprehensive, highly customizable online support program for people living with diabetes. The program, called Cornerstones4Care, offers tools that fit an individual's lifestyle and information needs. Patients can log on to www.Cornerstones4Care.com to see if they qualify for a money-saving offer on Novo Nordisk insulin products.

"Whether newly diagnosed or living with diabetes for years, people need continual support to help keep their diabetes management on track," says Camille Lee, vice president of diabetes marketing. "Not everyone needs the same information, so we developed Cornerstones4Care to offer customized information based on personal preferences."

Cornerstones4Care is a one-stop source to learn about diabetes and innovative Novo Nordisk treatment options and delivery device systems. People can also receive recipes, look up food nutritional values, connect with others and even receive daily action plans. The program focuses on four "cornerstones" of diabetes control - checking blood sugar, eating healthy, engaging in physical activity and taking diabetes medicines.

For example, different healthy eating tips are offered to someone who indicates they like to cook at home versus eat out in restaurants. A unique feature like the Menu Planner allows members to create their own menu of diabetes-friendly dishes, then generates a grocery list based on the options so that smart, healthy food choices can be made.

"Even though diabetes is a chronic disease, you can control it," says Rudy Moyado from Portage, Ind., who has been living with type 2 diabetes for more than 15 years. "If you can find the right motivation and support, there's a lot you can do to help yourself. There are no shortcuts. It takes work, but when you're in control, it's very rewarding."

To help people with diabetes better manage their illness, the Cornerstones4Care online resource will also include:

* Diabetes basics and medicines: An overview of the disease and its treatments with information focused on the four "cornerstones" of diabetes control.

* Cornerstone of care: Customized action plans focused on blood sugar checking, healthy eating and physical activity.

* Beyond the basics: Strategies for dealing with special situations such as travel or overcoming potential roadblocks in managing the disease.

* Menu planner: Tools for creating a menu from a wide selection of diabetes-friendly recipes.

For more information, visit www.Cornerstones4Care.com.