Eli Lilly and Company - Only a Year and a Half After Diabetes Diagnosis, Champion Cross-Country Skier Pursues His Olympic Dream.Business Editors, Health/Medical Writers NOTE TO MEDIA: Photo and logo are available in a Smart News Release(TM) on Business Wire's Home Page at www.businesswire.com and at www.newstream.com INDIANAPOLIS--(BW HealthWire)--Jan. 23, 2002 One of the U.S.'s brightest young cross-country skiers, Kris Freeman Kris Freeman is arguably one of the United States's most elite cross-country skiers. Born October 14, 1980 [1] in Andover, New Hampshire, he and his older brother, Justin Freeman, are both elite skiers, and Kris is a member of the U.S. Ski Team. Both were chosen for the U. , will be competing for the U.S. team in the 2002 Winter Olympics despite his diabetes. Freeman, age 21, was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes in September 2000 in the midst Adv. 1. in the midst - the middle or central part or point; "in the midst of the forest"; "could he walk out in the midst of his piece?" midmost of training for the Olympics. "When I was diagnosed with diabetes, I thought my skiing days were over and that my dream of reaching the 2002 Winter Olympics would never happen," said Freeman. "By learning how to manage the disease -- monitoring my blood sugar levels, taking daily insulin doses and eating a carefully balanced diet balanced diet n. A diet that furnishes in proper proportions all of the nutrients necessary for adequate nutrition. balanced diet -- I have gained control and achieved my dream of participating in the Olympics." Freeman's intense training schedule and diet requirements have not gotten in the way of managing his diabetes. Freeman uses Lilly's rapid-acting insulin Humalog(R) (insulin lispro Insulin lispro (marked by Lilly as "Humalog®") is a fast acting insulin analogue; it was the first insulin analogue. It was engineered through recombinant DNA technology so that the penultimate lysine and proline residues on the C-terminal end of the B-chain were reversed. injection, (rDNA origin)) and the Humalog Pen Humalog® Pen Endocrinology A Humalog–insulin lispro injection rDNA origin, pen which allows a Pt to dial a specific dose in 1-unit increments up to 60 units. . "I take Humalog right at mealtimes which is important in maintaining my strict schedule because I don't have to wait to eat," said Freeman. Before Humalog's introduction, people with diabetes were required to inject their regular insulin 30 to 45 minutes before a meal to give it a chance to begin working before eating. The Humalog Pen is a great advantage for people with diabetes who are on the go. For example, refrigeration refrigeration, process for drawing heat from substances to lower their temperature, often for purposes of preservation. Refrigeration in its modern, portable form also depends on insulating materials that are thin yet effective. of the pen in use is not required and it can be carried discreetly in a pocket or purse. "I am always traveling to competitions and the prefilled Humalog Pen allows me to take my insulin whenever and wherever I need to use it. It's reliable and convenient," noted Freeman. "Most people don't even know that I'm taking my insulin because they don't see a vial and syringe." In addition to his commitment to the Olympics, Freeman will serve as a spokesperson for Lilly, educating others about care and treatment options that lead to healthier lives. "I want to help people understand that diabetes does not mean you have to stop living your life," said Freeman. "With proper treatment, you can control your diabetes and reach your aspirations." Lilly is proud to be working with Freeman. "Kris is a perfect role model for educating people about the disease," said Vince Mihalik, executive director of U.S. diabetes care for Lilly. "He will be a great inspiration for other people with diabetes because he has proven that with proper care and treatment, diabetes is controllable and anything in life is possible -- even competing in the Olympics." Freeman was born and raised in Andover, New Hampshire Andover is a town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 2,109 at the 2000 census. Andover includes the villages of Cilleyville, Potter Place, and East Andover, a resort on Highland Lake. . At the age of one, Freeman's father introduced him to cross-country skiing cross-country skiing Skiing in open country over rolling, hilly terrain. It originated in Scandinavia as a means of travel as well as recreation. The skies used are longer, narrower, and lighter than those used in Alpine skiing, and bindings allow more heel movement. . He has loved the sport ever since. About Diabetes The World Health Organization estimates that the number of people worldwide who have diabetes will double to 300 million people during the next 25 years, up from current estimates of 150 million patients. In the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death (sixth-leading cause of death by disease) and the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease, which is present in 75 percent of diabetes-related deaths, and are 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer a stroke. According to a 1997 General Accounting Office report, every year 25 percent of Medicare funds go to treat diabetes and its complications. About Humalog Humalog is for use in patients with diabetes to control high blood sugar and should be used with a long-acting insulin, except when used in combination with sulfonylureas in patients with type 2 diabetes type 2 diabetes n. See diabetes mellitus. . The clinical value of improving blood sugar after meals has not been established. In 12-month clinical studies, HbA1c did not differ between patients treated with regular human insulin human insulin n. A protein that has the normal structure of insulin produced by the human pancreas but that is prepared by recombinant DNA techniques and by semisynthetic processes. and those treated with Humalog. Patients with type 1 diabetes type 1 diabetes n. See diabetes mellitus. also require a long-acting insulin to get optimal blood sugar control. The overall rate of low blood sugar reactions did not differ between patients treated with Humalog and those treated with regular human insulin. Humalog starts working quickly because it is absorbed quickly. That's why you should use it at mealtime and take it within 15 minutes before or immediately after your meal. Because Humalog is a mealtime insulin, you may also need a long-acting insulin to get the best blood sugar control. Important Safety Information Potential side effects Side effects Effects of a proposed project on other parts of the firm. associated with the use of all insulins include low blood sugar, weight gain, low blood potassium, changes in fat tissue at the site of injection, and allergic reactions, both general and local. Starting or changing insulin therapy should be done cautiously and only under medical supervision. Humalog(R) is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company and one of the world's largest corporations. Eli Lilly's global headquarters is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, in the United States. . Humalog is available by prescription only. For important safety information, talk to your doctor about this medicine and see the accompanying full Prescribing Information. Eli Lilly and Company Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers -- through medicines and information -- for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com. Available for Interview Kris Freeman, U.S. Cross-Country Ski Team Member
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