Menu Our Work in 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 415 MILLION adults worldwide have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90 - 95% of all cases of diagnosed diabetes in adults. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the sixth 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 through approval and afterwards. 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 of cardiometabolic and women’s health, Merck Research Laboratories “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 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 Tim McGraw Chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz Helping to Reduce Health Disparities in Diabetes In 2016, the Merck Foundation launched a new initiative, Bridging the Gap: Reducing Disparities in Diabetes Care, to improve access to high-quality diabetes care and reduce health disparities in vulnerable and underserved communities in the United States. With $16 million in funding from the Foundation over five years, Bridging the Gap will support multifaceted diabetes programs in selected communities around the country, with a goal of promoting best practices in primary care transformation and advancing intersectoral collaborations to reduce diabetes disparities. LEARN MORE MORE ABOUT DIABETES Type 2 Diabetes: A Focus on A1C An Interview with Dr. Sam Engel LEARN MORE Understanding Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic disease and a growing health issue. LEARN MORE America's Diabetes Challenge Take the next step. Get tips to help tackle common diabetes management challenges head on. LEARN MORE Copyright. © 2009-2017 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Forward-Looking Statement Privacy Terms of Use Site Map