Wellness and Prevention: Sanofi US Teams up with Basketball Associations and the ADA

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) February 1, 2012 - Diabetes is a growing epidemic in the United States with recent estimates projecting that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes by 2050. The National Basketball Association (NBA), the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA Development League (NBA D-League) are teaming up with Sanofi US and the American Diabetes Association in a strategic alliance to create awareness about this disease. The alliance promotes the importance of healthy, active lifestyles, as well as diabetes prevention, management and the potentially serious health complications through a new campaign, Dribble to Stop Diabetes.

"Seventy-nine million, or one in three American adults, have pre-diabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is called a 'silent killer' because a quarter of those with the disease, or 7 million, do not know they have it.” said Geralyn Spollett, MSN, ANP-CS. CDE, President, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association.   "Sanofi is proud of the awareness we were able to bring to diabetes prevention and management through the first year of the Dribble to Stop Diabetes program," said Dennis Urbaniak, Vice President, Head of U.S. Diabetes, Sanofi US. "It is estimated that nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and that this number is rising. That is why we look forward to reaching even more people through our continued partnership with the NBA, WNBA, NBA D-League and the American Diabetes Association."   Following a successful inaugural year, the 2012 Dribble to Stop Diabetes campaign is tipping off in conjunction with the annual NBA FIT Live Healthy Week (Jan. 25-Feb. 2) and features assists from campaign ambassadors Carlos Boozer of the Chicago Bulls, Tamika Catchings of the Indiana Fever, NBA Legend Bob Lanier, and New Jersey Nets head coach Avery Johnson. The ambassadors will appear in a nationally broadcast public service announcement that debuted on Thursday, January 26, 2012.   "As a professional basketball player and a father, I know how important it is to take care of your health," said Boozer. "Living a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a proper diet and getting regular exercise, is important for those at risk of developing diabetes and those who already have it. Dribble to Stop Diabetes will continue to raise awareness about the disease and will provide fans with important information to help themselves and their families."   In addition, Dribble to Stop Diabetes will be part of NBA All-Star Jam Session in Orlando Feb. 23-26, hosting NBA/WNBA/D-League FIT clinics and other health and wellness activities to help fans get active and provide them with information on diabetes prevention and management. As part of the campaign, NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League teams will host Dribble to Stop Diabetes in-arena nights featuring educational materials for fans, on-court activation and PSAs. Dribble to Stop Diabetes clinics will also take place during the 2012 WNBA Finals. Dribble to Stop Diabetes will also continue to educate fans and encourage them to discuss diabetes with their health care providers via the campaign website www.dribbletostopdiabetes.com .   "Dribble to Stop Diabetes is an important part of our ongoing efforts through the NBA/WNBA FIT program to promote a healthy lifestyle for fans of all ages," said NBA Executive Vice President, Social Responsibility & Player Programs Kathy Behrens. "We are excited to tip off the campaign's second year in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association and Sanofi US and to provide continued support in the fight against diabetes."   About the American Diabetes Association The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.   About NBA/WNBA FIT: NBA/WNBA FIT is the league's comprehensive health and wellness program that encourages physical activity and healthy living for children and families. Through a nationwide network of more than 1,000 community-based organizations, NBA/WNBA FIT brings programs and events to more than 2 million children, adults, and families annually. NBA/WNBA FIT also collaborates with the Let's Move! campaign, which first lady Michelle Obama established to provide communities nationwide with resources to help kids eat healthy and get active. In partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine and Nemours' KidsHealth.org, NBA/WNBA FIT also provides health and fitness information to children and families through newsletters, social media, and interactive online content at NBA.com/nbafit.   SANO20632