Indy Lights Racer Charlie Kimball Doesn’t Let Diabetes Slow Him Down

American Race Car Driver Partners with Novo Nordisk and Proves His High Performance Career is Possible with Diabetes

PRINCETON, N.J., April 14 /PRNewswire/ – Novo Nordisk, a world leader in diabetes care, today announced a partnership with 24-year-old race car driver, Charlie Kimball, now driving in the Firestone Indy Lights(TM) racing league. Together, they are aiming to show that with proper management, diabetes does not have to be a roadblock. Novo Nordisk is the maker of Levemir(R) (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection), an insulin that Charlie uses to help manage his diabetes.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090414/NY98373 )

“When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just a year and a half ago, I knew I could not allow the disease to get in the way of me chasing my dream of being a race car driver,” said Kimball. “My goal is to win the Firestone Indy Lights Series. With the combination of insulin and delivery devices, such as the Levemir(R) FlexPen(R), I have learned that daily diabetes management and glucose control can be easily and successfully integrated into my busy life both on and off the track.”

Kimball, who is the only American open-wheeled racing driver to talk publicly about his diabetes, has a history of breaking the mold. He made international history with a podium finish in the Formula 3 Euro series in his first race after he was diagnosed with diabetes in 2007.

“Charlie is a role model for anyone who feels inhibited by diabetes as he continues to accomplish remarkable achievements with the disease,” said Camille Lee, Vice President of Diabetes Brand Marketing, at Novo Nordisk. “He proves that with today’s treatment options, diabetes can be managed even in the most challenging circumstances.”

Charlie has committed to working closely with his doctor utilizing a regimen which includes Novo Nordisk products Levemir(R) FlexPen(R), an up to 24-hour long-acting basal insulin administered in a prefilled pen; and NovoLog(R) (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection), a rapid-acting insulin that can be taken 5-10 minutes before a meal, to help manage his blood glucose levels. He checks his blood sugar regularly and keeps orange juice in his race car for easy access, in case his sugar levels are low while racing.

For more information about Levemir(R), FlexPen(R) and NovoLog(R), visit http://www.novonordiskcare.com. The prescribing information for Levemir(R) and NovoLog(R) is available by contacting Novo Nordisk or visiting novonordisk-us.com.

About Diabetes

In the United States one in 13, or 23.6 million people, have diabetes(1), a condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Poorly or untreated diabetes can lead to a long list of health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, high blood pressure, blindness, nerve problems and amputations.

About Charlie Kimball

Kimball, who began racing go-karts at age 9, was accepted into Stanford University and chose to bypass admission to follow his dream to become a racecar driver. Prior to his diabetes diagnosis, in 2007, Kimball shattered the European stereotype that “Americans are not fast” by becoming the first American in 11 years to win a British Formula 3 race. He went on to secure two track records and several F3 victories in both Britain and Europe. Kimball has also raced in the Formula 3 Euroseries and the World Series by Renault. This year, Kimball will be competing in the Firestone Indy Lights races throughout the year. He will be competing in the Firestone Indy Lights race in his hometown of Long Beach, Calif. on April 19, 2009 followed by:

• Kansas Speedway: Apr 26
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway: May 22
• The Milwaukee Mile: May 31
• Iowa Speedway: June 20
• Watkins Glen International: July 4
• Streets of Toronto: July 11
• Edmonton City Centre Airport: July 26
• Kentucky Speedway: August 1
• Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: August 9
• Infineon Raceway: August 23
• Chicagoland Speedway: August 29
• Homestead-Miami Speedway: October 9

For additional information about Charlie Kimball, visit www.charliekimball.com.

Follow Charlie on Twitter at http://twitter.com/charliekimball, on his blog, www.CharlieKimball.blogspot.com, on YouTube, at www.youtube.com/charliekimball, and via the Charlie Kimball Fan Club on Facebook.

About Levemir(R) and NovoLog(R)

Indications and Usage:

Levemir (R) (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection) is a man-made long-acting insulin that is used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

NovoLog (R) (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) is a man-made insulin that is used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

Important Safety Information:

NovoLog(R) is a fast-acting insulin. You should eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes after using NovoLog(R) to avoid low blood sugar. Do not inject NovoLog(R) if you do not plan to eat right after using NovoLog(R).

Check your blood sugar levels while taking Levemir(R) and NovoLog(R). Ask your health care provider what your blood sugars should be and when you should check your blood sugar levels. Alcohol, including beer and wine, may affect your blood sugar when you take these insulins.

Do not change the type of insulin you use unless told to do so by your health care provider. The amount of insulin you take as well as the best time for you to take your insulin may need to change if you take a different type of insulin.

Do not mix NovoLog(R) with any other insulins when used in a pump or with any insulins other than NPH when used with injections by syringe.

Never mix Levemir(R) with other insulin products or use in an insulin pump.

Do not take Levemir(R) and NovoLog(R) if your blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to these medications or any of the ingredients in them. If you take too much of these insulins your blood sugar may fall too low.

Tell your health care provider about all medicines you take and all of your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your Levemir(R) and NovoLog(R) dose may change if you take other medicines.

The most common side effect of insulin therapy, including Levemir(R) and NovoLog(R) is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Other possible side effects include reactions at the injection site (like redness, swelling and itching), and allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you experience signs of serious allergic reaction such as body rash, trouble with your breathing, fast heartbeat, or sweating. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

FlexPen(R), Levemir(R), and NovoLog(R) are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S.

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company with an 86-year history of innovation and achievement 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 to diabetes care, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as hemostasis management, growth hormone therapy, and hormone therapy for women. Novo Nordisk’s business is driven by the Triple Bottom Line: a commitment to social responsibility to employees and customers, environmental soundness and economic success. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs more than 27,000 employees in 81 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 novonordisk.com; for United States information, visit novonordisk-us.com.

(1) 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control Web site. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/estimates07.htm.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk