Montreal, Canada - 20 October 2009 - This October marks the one-year anniversary of the international launch of the ground-breaking diabetes Conversation Map^TM education tools. Created by Healthy Interactions, a global leader in health education, in collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Eli Lilly and Company and other leading diabetes experts, the unique Conversation Map^TM education tools have been implemented in 68 countries, excluding the United States, in 31 different languages in the last 365 days. To complete the global launch, redesigned diabetes Conversation Map^TM education tools will be unveiled throughout Canada in January 2010, along with a new Map designed for parents and children to learn together. New tools will also be introduced to several Sub-Saharan African countries by early next year.  

To celebrate the anniversary, IDF and the Canadian Diabetes Association are hosting a "Celebration of Education" Diabetes Conversations symposium sponsored by Lilly. The symposium will attract diabetes educators from throughout the world, during IDF's 20th World Diabetes Congress on October 20, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

"Given Lilly's strong heritage in diabetes, we strive to effectively partner with others throughout the world to advocate for better education and greater access to comprehensive diabetes information; to put in place tools to support better self management and provide guidance," said Joachim Becker, International Marketing Director, Diabetes, Eli Lilly and Company. "Through the Conversation Map^TM tools experience, our hope is to generate a new educational movement and inspire millions of people living with diabetes to seek success in the power of the diabetes conversation."    

The tools, which provide a dynamic learning experience for people living with diabetes, were first introduced in Europe last year, then in Latin America and Asia throughout 2008 and 2009. With more than 16,000 educational kits already distributed since launch, there is an extensive network of leadership and support partners within healthcare and government organizations around the world using and supporting the tools. In addition, more than 100 credentialed healthcare professionals, representing 68 countries and referred to as "Expert Trainers," have been trained not only on how to use the tools, but also on how to train other locally-based diabetes educators to conduct Conversation Map^TM education sessions. As a result, these Expert Trainers have spurred an educational movement for thousands of people living with diabetes.

Currently, 285 million people live with diabetes worldwide and the number is projected to increase dramatically within the next 20 years.¹  Unlike other diseases, people with diabetes are responsible for 95 percent of their own care. Yet, many are faced with managing this disease - including making complex daily medical decisions - without proper education regarding their diabetes. ²

"As part of our Global Education Programme to spread the word about diabetes education and prevention, IDF is working to identify and fill gaps in the provision of diabetes education worldwide," said Helen McGuire, global education manager, International Diabetes Federation. "We are pleased that educational instruments such as the Map tools are available to help prepare people with diabetes to make informed decisions and behavioral changes and, ultimately, better equip them to effectively manage their diabetes."

Designed for groups of three to 10, the Conversation Map^TM education tools use the power of small group dialogue and collaborative learning to improve personal health management and enhance interactions between people with diabetes and healthcare professionals. The Conversation Map^TM education tools are culturally relevant and customized according to geographic location and specifically target topics identified as most critical for supporting successful diabetes self-management, including:

•  Living with Diabetes
• How Diabetes Works
• Healthy Eating and Keeping Active
• Starting Insulin