Novo Nordisk Supports Diabetes Prevention Camp for Native American Youth

Novo Nordisk Inc., a world leader in diabetes care, announced today that it will donate $15,000 to the Native Youth Preventing Diabetes program. Native Youth Preventing Diabetes will use the donation to expand their diabetes prevention camp for Native American youth and will invite children to attend from the eight tribes which comprise the program -- Absentee Shawnee, Citizen Potawatomi, Kickapoo, Iowa, Sac and Fox, Cheyenne-Arapaho, Chickasaw, and Pawnee.

Over 150 young Native Americans ranging in age from 8-13 years from the eight tribes are expected to participate in the diabetes prevention camp from June 13-17, which will be held at Camp Cimarron, a Campfire USA site, in Coyle, OK. Campers will be selected based on criteria set forth by each participating tribe.

"Novo Nordisk's generous donation will allow our Native Youth Preventing Diabetes camp to not only continue, but to flourish. Novo Nordisk's support expands the program's capability to share important health management information with young Native Americans, and also enables camp organizers to include programs relevant to campers' native roots," said Michelle Dennison-Farris of the Native Youth Preventing Diabetes program.

With Novo Nordisk's donation, Native Youth Preventing Diabetes has been able to extend the camp from a day camp experience to a residential camp for five days and four nights. Campers will attend classes on diabetes prevention, nutrition and behavioral health, and participate in activities including swimming, horseback riding and outdoor games. Campers will also be tested for diabetes and other health issues, and receive health management advice from staff physicians, nurses, dieticians, exercise specialists, and behavioral health counselors. Camp events during the evening will include Native American cultural activities.

Martin Soeters, president of Novo Nordisk Inc., said, "Diabetes is the most pressing health concern among Native Americans today. By supporting programs such as Native Youth Preventing Diabetes that educate young Native Americans on diabetes prevention, Novo Nordisk hopes to help change the course of diabetes for future generations in this community."

The Native Youth Preventing Diabetes program was established in 2002 by five Native American tribes to address the growing epidemic of diabetes among the Native American population and aid in disease prevention through awareness and education. In addition to the camp, the program will provide extension opportunities to after-school programs to encourage healthy living and disease prevention.

According to the American Diabetes Association, over 107,000 Native Americans and Alaska Natives receiving care from Indian Health Services (IHS) have diabetes and moreover, are 2.2 times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites. Additionally, complications from diabetes are major causes of death in Native American communities.(1)

Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. The company has the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry, including the most advanced products within the area of insulin delivery systems. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as hemostasis management, growth hormone therapy, and hormone therapy for women. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 20,000 full-time employees in 69 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'. For global information, visit www.novonordisk.com -- for United States information, visit www.novonordisk-us.com.

(1) American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-statistics/native-americans.jsp. 11/16/04.

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