Merck (MSD) recently announced a partnership with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) that aims to educate adults living with diabetes about their higher risk for serious health issues such as hepatitis B and pneumococcal pneumonia influenza (flu). The act aims to boost awareness among those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes about the importance of talking to their health care professional (HCP) about each one of these diseases.
Mel Kohn, who is the medical director of Merck, said in a press release: “It is important for health care providers to help their diabetic patients understand their increased risk for infections and to discuss the best approach to managing this increased risk. For example adults with diabetes are three times more likely to develop pneumococcal pneumonia compared to adults without diabetes. There is therefore a need to increase conversations by HCPs on the levels of risk for these infections in this patient population.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 9.3 percent of Americans (29.1 million people) have diabetes: About 21 million are diagnosed, while 8.1 million remain undiagnosed. 1.7 million of new diabetes cases are diagnosed in people at 20 or more years of age.
Patient support and education are crucial in order to prevent acute complications and to reduce the odds of developing long-term problems. The ADA’s Professional Practice Committee’s states that a strong and clear communication with HCPs can help individuals with diabetes in the struggles that might come from their disease.
“Our work with Merck will help disseminate the very important message to the diabetes community that keeping up-to-date on recommended HCP appointments and being aware of risk factors and how to minimize additional complications are critical to maintaining good health” said Jane Chiang, representative of the American Diabetes Association.
About Merck
Merck is a world healthcare company working with more than 140 countries to address innovative health solutions for unmet needs; www.merck.com.
About The American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association was founded in 1940 and its mission is to prevent, cure and improve the lives of those with diabetes. The Association funds research projects and provides education concerning diabetes to everyone; www.diabetes.org.
