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BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Actress Elizabeth Perkins has teamed up with Sanofi US on the "Diabetes Co-Stars" awareness campaign to produce a documentary that will feature people with diabetes and those who support them.
Sanofi said Wednesday that Perkins, who has type 1 diabetes, is one of approximately 26 million Americans living with the disease. Starting today and through Dec. 16, people can submit their diabetes stories to the nationwide casting call at DiabetesCoStars.com.
People with diabetes can go to the website to nominate their co-star — the person in their life who has made the biggest impact on their personal diabetes journey. People can also nominate themselves if they support a family member or friend with diabetes. Submissions will be judged on their ability to inspire others through their story of support in diabetes control.
Two co-star teams of winners will be announced Jan. 31, along with more information about the documentary’s premiere.
"I am partnering with Sanofi US to share my story through Diabetes Co-Stars, and I look forward to hearing from others about their unique experiences living with diabetes and learning about the encouragement they receive from their own co-stars," stated Perkins, star of the upcoming ABC sitcom "How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)."
Perkins currently uses Sanofi’s Lantus SoloSTAR (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection) as part of her diabetes treatment plan, which also includes exercise and a healthy diet, the pharmaceutical company said. Another linchpin of Perkins’ diabetes management is the support and encouragement from her husband, director and cinematographer Julio Macat.
"I always recommend to my patients that they reach out for support to help them manage their diabetes, as Elizabeth has done with her husband Julio," commented Perkins’ physician, Dr. David Kayne, M.D., of The Medical Group of Encino in Encino, Calif. "Elizabeth’s story is the perfect example of how valuable a strong support system is in a person’s overall diabetes treatment plan."
Also as part of this year’s program, Sanofi US will sponsor the Diabetes Hands Foundation in support of its efforts to foster an open dialogue on the realities of living with diabetes. The foundation works to connect, engage, and empower people touched by diabetes.
