07/26/2016

Diabetes Awareness Advocate Greg Robinson to ‘Ride’ with Ryan Reed in Iowa

p2078219687-o915700052-4CONCORD, N.C. (July 26, 2016) – American Diabetes Association® ambassador and diabetes advocate Greg Robinson will ‘ride’ along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Iowa Speedway. The Urbandale, Iowa resident will have his name featured on a decal above the passenger-side window on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang.

Like Reed, Robinson lives with diabetes and knows the importance of managing his health to live a full life and influence those around him to do the same. Robinson developed type 2 diabetes 13 years ago while serving as the Superintendent of Urbandale Community Schools. He currently teaches future school principals and superintendents at Iowa State University.

Through his involvement in education, Robinson is active on the board of the American Diabetes Association of Central Iowa and in their Diabetes Busters program. The Diabetes Busters program was developed by professionals in the field of education, nursing, nutrition, physical education and fitness from the University of Iowa, the Iowa City School District and the American Diabetes Association to present information about diabetes to 4th graders in a fun and interesting way that engages students. Each child has the opportunity to visit three different stations: one focusing on diabetes education, one focusing on nutrition and one focusing on exercise.

“It’s so cool to see how Greg’s love for teaching has enabled him to spread awareness of diabetes and how you can live a normal life by properly managing your health,” said Reed. “It’s so important for kids to learn about diabetes at a young age to reduce the risk of developing diabetes later in life. I think what Greg and the American Diabetes Association are doing with the Diabetes Busters program is such a great tie to our Drive to Stop Diabetes initiative.”

Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into Iowa Speedway for the second time this season. Back in June, Reed finished 11th after starting in the same position.

The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from Iowa Speedway on Saturday, July 30th at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN and MRN.

About Drive to Stop Diabetes

The Drive to Stop DiabetesSM campaign strives to educate people about living well with diabetes. The campaign encourages the millions of Americans who have diabetes to talk about a management plan with their doctor, family, and friends and to lead healthy lives.

About Lilly Diabetes

Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world’s first commercial insulin. Today we are building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research and collaboration, a broad and growing product portfolio and a continued determination to provide real solutions—from medicines to support programs and more—we strive to make life better for all those affected by diabetes around the world. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com or follow us on Twitter: @LillyDiabetes.

About the American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish.