Insulet (Nasdaq:PODD) today announced its plans to recognize National Diabetes Awareness Month and World Diabetes Day.
National Diabetes Awareness Month takes place over the course of the entire month of November. World Diabetes Day lands on Nov. 14 every year, marking the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting. Banting discovered the insulin hormone along with Charles Herbert Best in 1922. (Read about what diabetes tech companies did last year to recognize these initiatives.)
Acton, Massachusetts-based Insulet — developer of the Omnipod automated insulin delivery pumps — shared a number of initiatives aimed at recognizing these dates and bringing awareness to the diabetes community.
“People with diabetes must make dozens of decisions every day to manage their condition, which can be incredibly stressful, overwhelming at times, and get in the way of enjoying life. This impact often extends to family members and caregivers, a burden the general public largely underappreciates,” said Jim Hollingshead, Insulet president and CEO. “At Insulet, where many of us have personal connections to diabetes, we all get to do something special, improving lives through our important work.”
A look at what Insulet has planned
First, on Nov. 12, Hollingshead and members of Insulet’s leadership team, along with global employees, intend to ring the Nasdaq market closing bell at 4 p.m. ET. Five Omnipod users, coming from the U.S., Canada, Germany and the UK plan to join them. On behalf of the five Omnipod users, the company also plans to make charitable contributions to diabetes organizations of their choice. This comes as part of the “Insulet for Good” initiative.
Next, Insulet serves as a sponsor for a two-day American Diabets Association community event on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 in Boston. Dr. Trang Ly, SVP and chief medical officer, will take part in a panel discussion on diabetes-related health equity topics. The event takes place at Roxbury Community College and covers topics like diabetes prevention and education, access, cost of diabetes, advocacy efforts, and policy changes.
Insulet also plans to exhibit at the ADA Community Day of Access, which includes free healthcare screenings and more.
“Insulet teams around the world are laser focused on delivering innovations and bringing research-led insights that empower people with diabetes to live their best lives,” said Ly. “We are proud to support ADA’s State of Diabetes event, and I look forward to joining in the conversation and sharing our perspectives with others who also care deeply about advancing diabetes care and making the healthcare community stronger.”
Other plans for November include the launch of a new sponsored podcast, “TypeCast: Life Between the Lines.” Omnipod Ambassador Natlie Balmain hosts the podcast, which shares different stories and experiences of people with diabetes.
Additionally, throughout the month, Insulet plans for employees to write notes of support and encouragement to recently diagnosed people. This also comes as part of Insulet for Good, coordinated with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF).
Finally, on World Diabetes Day, the company plans to host fun, niformative and interactive activities globally. These aim to share customer stories and raise awareness about diabetes.
