Stage, screen and film actress Delta Burke is leading the BYETTA Let’s Talk campaign, sponsored by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMLN) and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY).
The BYETTA Let’s Talk campaign is designed to educate people with type 2 diabetes about the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle, including taking the right medications.
Did you know that there are more than 20 million Americans who have diabetes — the majority of whom are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? That’s enough people to fill all 31 professional football stadiums nearly 10 times! People who have type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin and/or the cells in the body do not respond normally to insulin. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults over the age of 40, but is increasingly common in younger people.
“I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 41,” said Ms. Burke, who has recently appeared on the ABC television show “Boston Legal.” “I want to get people talking about better management of this disease. By addressing diabetes head on, I’m in better control of my blood sugar, and I’m able to pursue my love of acting. So let’s talk about proper eating, let’s talk about ways to increase activity, and let’s talk about how medication can play an important role. For me, adding BYETTA has made a real difference, and I am excited to have the opportunity to share my story with others who live with type 2 diabetes.”
The BYETTA Let’s Talk campaign will launch in Boston on March 17 at the New England Spring Flower Show. Over the summer, the campaign will visit 10 cities throughout the United States. At most events, attendees will hear firsthand from Delta Burke about her experience with type 2 diabetes and how BYETTA helps her manage the disease. Other exciting components to the campaign include:
— Chris Smith, The Diabetic Chef, will be sharing recipes of and preparing healthy, delicious dishes.
— Nikki Kimbrough, fitness trainer from Bally Total Fitness, demonstrating easy ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily life.
— Virginia Valentine, a certified diabetes educator, will be available to talk one-on-one with attendees about the disease and BYETTA? (exenatide) injection as a treatment option.
— Booth giveaways including FlashCarbs flashcards that help people with type 2 diabetes count carbohydrates.
“As a certified diabetes educator and someone with type 2 diabetes, I know what it takes to manage diabetes successfully. Every day, I talk with people with diabetes about leading a healthy, active lifestyle and taking the right medications,” said certified diabetes educator Virginia Valentine, who will accompany Ms. Burke during the BYETTA Let’s Talk campaign. “This campaign is designed to reach people with type 2 diabetes who may not know the best way to control their condition!”