Boehringer Ingelheim race to the finish line in support of World Diabetes Day

Ingelheim, Germany, 17 November 2011 – More than 700 Boehringer Ingelheim employees sprinted to the finish line for a special 3km fundraising run on 14 November, in support of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Day. Runners completed the run with the knowledge that Boehringer Ingelheim would convert the total kilometres run by each participant into a monetary contribution for the IDF 'Life for a Child' Programme.

"Diabetes is a global epidemic which affects more than 366 million people worldwide," remarked Dr. Birgit Dannhof, International Team Leader Diabetes, at Boehringer Ingelheim headquarters. "We are delighted to be supporting the 2011 World Diabetes Day and the International Diabetes Federation 'Life for a Child' Programme. Boehringer Ingelheim has been partnering with the International Diabetes Federation for three years now and we share their long term commitment to promoting diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide".

Boehringer Ingelheim has an ongoing commitment to research and developing innovative medicines. Moreover, the company is dedicated to diabetes education and to promoting awareness of Type 2 Diabetes among its employees. This employee-led activity is the pinnacle of the company’s week-long programme in support of the annual World Diabetes Day, which aims to raise awareness of the escalating global health threat of diabetes¹. The contribution will support the IDF 'Life for a Child' Programme, an innovative and sustainable scheme to help children with diabetes in developing countries. More than 7,000 children in 36 countries are currently being supported by the Programme and receiving the ongoing clinical care and diabetes education that they need to stay alive¹.

"Our vision is that no child should die of diabetes" said Dr. Graham Ogle, Life for a Child Programme Manager "In some of the poorest parts of the world, having diabetes is a death sentence. Essential medicines and supplies such as insulin and blood glucose test strips are unavailable or unaffordable. We warmly welcome initiatives such as this, so that disadvantaged children, wherever they are, can live longer and healthier lives".

The Boehringer Ingelheim 'Run for Diabetes' is the culmination of a week-long series of internal and external activities promoting diabetes awareness in support of World Diabetes Day. The company’s commitment to the field of diabetes is evident at the Boehringer Ingelheim headquarters in Germany as well as at national offices worldwide where buildings have been illuminated in blue lights as a visual statement of solidarity. A number of original events and initiatives have also been undertaken to promote the importance of a healthy diet and active lifestyle for the prevention and control of Type 2 Diabetes.

About World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness. World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. This year’s WDD campaign marks the third year of a five year focus on "Diabetes Education and Prevention".

About Diabetes
An estimated 366 million people worldwide have diabetes.¹ Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type, accounting for an estimated 90 per cent of all diabetes cases.¹ Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body either does not properly produce, or use, the hormone insulin.²

About Boehringer Ingelheim
The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 145 affiliates and more than 42,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

As a central element of its culture, Boehringer Ingelheim pledges to act socially responsible. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim’s endeavours.

In 2010, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of about 12.6 billion euro while spending almost 24 percent of net sales in its largest business segment Prescription Medicines on research and development.