Big pharma giant Novo Nordisk wants to remind you of its involvement in a social outreach program for diabetics. Entitled "Divabetic - Makeover Your Diabetes," the program is being touted as a series of fun community outreach events designed to support, educate and motivate women with Type 2 diabetes and those who are at-risk for it. It's also open to those who do not have diabetes themselves, but who have been adversely affected through the diagnosis of a loved one. The "Divabetic" part of the title refers to the outreach organization DIVABETIC, which is collaborating with Novo Nordisk in this project.Divabetic offers women makeovers at the hands of a team of fashion and beauty gurus. It's all about having fun with fashion, beauty and the like. All that GIRL-STUFF. Hmm. Nice, but not really related to diabetes education, is it? Well, no. But the idea is to use that as a means to an end, say the organizers. You know, self-esteem and all that jazz. The idea is to get away from the very un-fun and un-sexy clinical learning environment, which tends to alienate those who are most in need of help.
The goal is to motivate attendees to get control of their diabetes by making lifestyle changes. You know what I mean - The Biggies: eat healthy, exercise, take your meds. Alan Moses, associate vice president of medical affairs for Novo, says the company acknowledges the role that overall lifestyle changes can play in turning around a diabetic's health status, but that they also have come to understand how hard it is for most people to make that change. That's where motivation comes into play...in the form of makeovers. Yes, says DIVABETIC founder Max Szadek. When women look great, they feel great, and you have to feel great about yourself before you can get motivated to take care of your health, he enthuses.
Divabetic events are free. They will be taking place around the country (big cities, only, folks), starting with New York at Gotham Hall on February 22. Want to read more? Read Novo's press release, visit the ChangingDiabetes website or call 1-800-634-8888. Or check out DIVABETIC's sassy and fun site.
