Media Advisory - Indy Lights Racer Won't Let Diabetes Slow Him Down

Charlie Kimball Continues to Prove that the Sky's the Limit and is Competing Again this Year in the Honda Indy Edmonton Weekend

EDMONTON, July 20 /CNW/ - Charlie Kimball is competing once again in the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights(TM) series as the only licensed driver with type 1 diabetes in the history of the Indy Racing League, with the support of Novo Nordisk, a world leader in diabetes care.

    
    WHAT:  Interview opportunity with Firestone Indy Lights(TM) race car
           driver

    WHO:   Charlie Kimball

    WHERE: Edmonton City Centre Airport
           Kingsway Avenue and 121 Street
           Edmonton, AB

    WHEN:  Friday, July 23
           Saturday, July 24
           Sunday, July 25
    

In 2007, Charlie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which threatened to keep him on the sidelines of his sport. But Charlie would not let diabetes slow him down. He has proven that diabetes can be managed even under the most challenging circumstances.

"Charlie is a great role model for people living with diabetes. He is a prime example that diabetes can be successfully managed and doesn't have to get in the way of anyone's goals," said Dr. Ian Blumer, member of the executive of the Clinical & Scientific Section of the Canadian Diabetes Association and author of Diabetes for Canadians for Dummies. "Charlie has worked with his diabetes health care team to develop an excellent plan to help him manage his diabetes while balancing his demanding career. His strategy for success includes healthy eating, regular exercise and use of highly effective insulin options."

This year Charlie is piloting the No. 26 Levemir(R) car for AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport and will run a full 13-race schedule. Charlie's goal for 2010 is to win the Firestone Indy Lights(TM) Championship. From there, he hopes to move up to the Izod Indy Car Series, and be the first person with diabetes on the grid at the Indianapolis 500.

Charlie is competing in his second season in the Firestone Indy Lights(TM) series and is doing exceptionally well. He's currently running in fifth place out of 26 drivers and is 54 points behind the leader. In 2009, he finished 10th overall, posting a season-best fourth place at Watkins Glen and finishing the 2009 series with eight Top 10 results.

Charlie will be in Edmonton this weekend (Friday, July 23 to Sunday, July 25) to participate in the Firestone Indy Lights(TM) race. He is available for interviews with accredited media on-site at the CNE grounds. Interviews will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis around Charlie's racing and practice schedule. Other interview opportunities can also be coordinated upon request.

About Diabetes

Diabetes is 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. In Canada, more than three million Canadians have diabetes and this number is expected to reach 3.7 million by 2020.(1) If left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of complications, including: heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye disease, problems with erection (impotence), and nerve damage.(2)

About Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.

Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care and biopharmaceuticals. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. Novo Nordisk's business is driven by the Triple Bottom Line: a commitment to economic success, environmental soundness, and social responsibility to employees and customers. For more information, visit www.novonordisk.ca.

(1) Canadian Diabetes Association. An Economic Tsunami: The Cost of Diabetes in Canada. http://www.diabetes.ca/documents/get-involved/FINAL_Economic_Report.pdf. Accessed June 2010.

(2) Canadian Diabetes Association. Diabetes Facts. http://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/what/facts/. Accessed June 2010.

For further information: Hailey Carnegie, NATIONAL Public Relations, Tel: [phone] ext.485, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]; Jeremy Brace, Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., Tel: [phone], [email protected]