WORLDWIDE CONTACT US ABOUT US PRODUCTS RESEARCH LICENSING NEWSROOM CAREERS INVESTORS Menu MENU The Impact of Diabetes With the prevalence of diabetes continuing to grow in many countries, it is one of the most serious chronic health challenges we face today. Approximately MILLION adults worldwide have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately % of all cases of diagnosed diabetes in adults. Diabetes is the th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the eighth worldwide. Diabetes is one of Merck’s top therapeutic priorities and a point of passion for many colleagues at Merck, both personally and professionally. Karen, a Merck employee, shares her own experience living with type 2 diabetes. LEADERSHIP THROUGH INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION “Advancements in diabetes research are making a remarkable difference for patients, but there is much more work to be done. At Merck, we strive for scientific excellence and innovation in all stages of diabetes research, from discovery to rigorous research of medicines once approved. I am proud to be part of a research team that is committed to doing something truly meaningful to help people with diabetes.” Sam Engel associate vice president, Merck Clinical Research Diabetes and Endocrinology “Because diabetes is complex and a growing health challenge, we are committed to collaborating globally with other healthcare innovators, and mobilizing our own talent throughout the company, to advance the care of people living with diabetes.” Rob Rode senior vice president, general manager Diabetes and Cardiovascular MAKE THE COMMITMENT TO GET TO YOUR A1C GOAL America's Diabetes Challenge: Get to Your Goals is a Merck-sponsored program created with the American Diabetes Association® and iHeart Media to raise awareness among people with type 2 diabetes about the importance of working with their doctors to set and reach their A1C goals. The program also aims to help people learn if they are at risk of low blood glucose and how to help reduce that risk. VOICES OF AMERICA'S DIABETES CHALLENGE S. Epatha Merkerson S. Epatha Merkerson × Celebrated film, stage and television actress S. Epatha Merkerson was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2003. She joined America's Diabetes Challenge to help encourage people with type 2 diabetes to achieve better control of their blood sugar. Working with her doctor, Merkerson made a personalized diabetes management plan, which included diet, exercise and medication, to help her achieve her A1C goal. By sticking to that plan–and making changes with her doctor when necessary–Merkerson has kept her blood sugar under control. Tim McGraw Tim McGraw × Award-winning artist Tim McGraw, who has loved ones impacted by type 2 diabetes, has teamed up with Merck and the American Diabetes Association to spread the word about America's Diabetes Challenge and raise awareness of this growing epidemic. McGraw is a strong believer in making healthy choices, and he's urging people to join him in challenging their families and friends with diabetes to work with their doctors to get to their A1C goals. Chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz Chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz × After living with type 2 diabetes for many years, Chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz's grandfather passed away from a stroke, one of the serious complications of diabetes. That's why Chef Leticia, who specializes in Latin cuisine, is working with Merck and the American Diabetes Association on Desafiando La Diabetes (Diabetes Challenge) to urge Hispanics with type 2 diabetes to work with their doctors to set and reach their A1C goals. The loss of her grandfather prompted her entire family to reevaluate their lifestyle, so Chef Leticia is sharing diabetes-friendly recipes that the whole family can enjoy. Helping to Reduce Health Disparities in Diabetes In 2009, the Merck Foundation, a U.S.-based, private foundation, launched the Alliance to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes with a commitment of $15 million to address the growing problem of healthcare disparities related to type 2 diabetes in the U.S. among low-income and underserved adult populations. An evaluation of programs within the Alliance to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes revealed that a new model of chronic disease management for vulnerable populations with diabetes shows significant promise. LEARN MORE MORE ABOUT DIABETES Changing the Statistics: A Commitment to Diabetes Research A Point of View by Dr. Sam Engel LEARN MORE Understanding Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic disease and a growing health issue. LEARN MORE America's Diabetes Challenge People with type 2 diabetes should work with their doctors to set individual goals to manage the ABCs of diabetes. LEARN MORE Copyright © 2009-2016 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Forward-Looking Statement Privacy Terms of Use Site Map