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ASCENSIA DIABETES CARE LAUNCHES THE “THIS IS DIABETES” COMPETITION TO HIGHLIGHT THE NEED FOR ACCESS TO DIABETES CARE IN SUPPORT OF IDF’S WORLD DIABETES DAY

Basel, Switzerland

Today Ascensia Diabetes Care, makers of the CONTOUR^® Blood Glucose Monitoring system portfolio and distributors of the Eversense^® Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, has launched its “This is Diabetes” art and photography competition as the company’s initiative to support World Diabetes Day. The competition is designed to use art and photography to highlight the importance of Access to Diabetes Care, in particular medication, technology, care, support, nutrition and exercise, which is the official theme chosen by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) for 2021.

Ascensia’s global competition is seeking submissions of original photography or art that showcase what access to diabetes care really means. The competition is open from September 30 to October 31, 2021 and entries can be submitted at www.thisisdiabetes.com. The winning entrant will be able to nominate a diabetes charity of their choice to receive €5,000, and there will be three runners-up prizes of €1,000. The winners will be announced on World Diabetes Day, on November 14, 2021.

Rob Schumm, President at Ascensia Diabetes Care commented: “We are proud to be supporting World Diabetes Day for the sixth year running. According to the IDF, millions of people living with diabetes (PWDs) worldwide do not have access to the fundamentals of diabetes care needed to optimally manage their condition and avoid serious complications. This year’s theme is therefore very pertinent, as it coincides with the 100^th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, a life-saving medicine for those with type 1 diabetes, and for some living with type 2 diabetes.”

“Through this competition we want to use art and photography to highlight how access to medication, technology, a healthy diet and healthcare professionals can empower PWDs to simplify and improve their lives and how lack of access can make their lives more challenging,” continued Schumm.

Members of the diabetes online community, professional artists and photographers, as well as a representative from Ascensia’s Diabetes Insider group, which is made up of a number of employees who are living with diabetes, have been selected to sit on the judging panel. Together these judges will select a winning entry and three runners-up based on three criteria: creativity; storytelling; and the connection to this year’s World Diabetes Day theme.

Singapore based, Pei Yan Heng, a photographer living with type 2 diabetes, and judge for the “This is Diabetes” competition commented: “Living with diabetes, I fully appreciate how having access to the right medication, monitoring technology and support from healthcare professionals helps me to effectively manage my glucose. I am delighted therefore to be involved in Ascensia’s competition, which is a great way for the people to highlight and creatively share their stories and thoughts about how these resources and support benefit PWDs around the world.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

About Ascensia Diabetes Care

Ascensia Diabetes Care is a global company focused entirely on helping people with diabetes. Our mission is to empower those living with diabetes through innovative solutions that simplify and improve their lives.

We are home to the world renowned CONTOUR^® portfolio of blood glucose monitoring systems and the exclusive global distribution partner for the Eversense^® continuous glucose monitoring systems from Senseonics. These products combine advanced technology with user-friendly functionality to help people with diabetes manage their condition and make a positive difference to their lives. As a trusted partner in the diabetes community, we collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and other partners to ensure our products meet the highest standards of accuracy, precision and reliability, and that we conduct our business compliantly and with integrity.

Ascensia is a member of the PHC Group and was established in 2016 through the sale of Bayer Diabetes Care to PHC Holdings (formerly Panasonic Healthcare). Ascensia products are sold in more than 125 countries. Ascensia has around 1,600 employees and operations in 31 countries.

For further information, please visit the Ascensia Diabetes Care website at: http://www.ascensia.com

^©2021 Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG. All right reserved. Ascensia, the Ascensia Diabetes Care logo and Contour are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG.

For more information, please contact:

Annabel Watson
Global Communications Manager

annabel.watson@ascensia.com

+41 76 432 46 25