Introduction to DAWN

"In 2005, the DAWN programme together with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is taking the vital step forward in organizing action at many levels to address the need for more patient involvement in diabetes care both in the rich and less rich countries.

It is only through new partnerships between organized bodies, academia, and industry that diabetes can be defeated"

Pierre Lefèbvre
President of the International Diabetes Federation

The DAWN (Diabetes Attitudes Wishes and Needs) programme is a global Novo Nordisk initiative in collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation and an international expert advisory board.

Its aim is to improve the health and quality of life of people with diabetes by facilitating concrete initiatives and best practice sharing worldwide to overcome the psychosocial barriers to effective self-management.

The programme started with the first DAWN study in 2001. The study showed that diabetes care which focuses solely on medical targets is seriously flawed. More than half of people with diabetes do not enjoy good health and life quality, and the DAWN study revealed a major underlying cause: the negative effects of ignoring the psychosocial impact of diabetes on those who live with the condition every day. The DAWN Study highlighted the need for a new approach to diabetes care that looks beyond the blood glucose readings and prescribed diet and exercise regimes to the person behind the disease.

The DAWN Programme promotes concerted advocacy and practical actions to help bring about this necessary change in diabetes care worldwide. Putting the individual – rather than the disease – at the centre.

DAWN is a key part of our long-term strategy for defeating diabetes
The DAWN programme, now incorporating DAWN Youth, is a leading element of Novo Nordisk's two-fold committment to fight diabetes and support those who live with it. By approaching people with diabetes as individuals with independent lives rather than patients with a common disease, Novo Nordisk is dedicated to gaining a full understanding of the human impact of diabetes.

Novo Nordisk's ongoing exploration of the psychosocial impact of diabetes complements our legacy of industry-leading scientific research into the condition and its management. The depth and reach of our combined diabetes knowledge places us in an every-stronger position to lead the fights against diabetes, and to change the face of diabetes care.

Through DAWN and its national diabetes programs, Novo Nordisk engages with stakeholders in more than 40 countries to improve access to health according to the priorities of the World Health Organization.

In 2005 alone, ambassadors of the DAWN programme catalyzed local actions to increase awareness and improve diabetes care in more than 20 countries. A key goal of the ongoing DAWN programme is to support diabetes healthcare professionals to adopt new patient-centred treatment strategies through facilitation of training programs,  insights and practical tools and strategies.

In 2006-7, the DAWN programme will also lead new exciting initiatives to further improve the care for people with diabetes across the world and bring the leading stakeholders together to develop new approaches to supporting children and their families and ethnic minorities with diabetes to achieve optimal health and quality of life.

For more information contact your local Novo Nordisk affiliate or the international DAWN programme at dawninfo@novonordisk.com