Novo Nordisk: An Ecosystem Approach to Preventing Diabetes

I’m excited to talk about something that’s not just important, but also incredibly relevant to the world we live in today—how a global healthcare company, Novo Nordisk, is taking a unique approach to fight diabetes. And I don’t mean just making medications; we’re talking about a complete shift in how we think about and tackle one of the biggest health challenges out there.

Let’s be honest—diabetes is a massive issue. Most of us know someone who’s affected by it, whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even ourselves. So, how do we deal with a problem that’s so widespread, affecting hundreds of millions of people? Novo Nordisk’s answer is something called an “ecosystem approach,” and it’s as cool as it sounds. We’re going to explore what that means, how it’s being applied in real life, and what we can learn from it.

Background on Novo Nordisk: Who Are They?

First off, let me introduce you to Novo Nordisk if you’re not already familiar. This is a company based in Denmark, and they’ve been at the forefront of diabetes care for nearly a century—over 95 years to be exact. They’re not just a small player either; they produce about 50% of the world’s insulin, which is a lifeline for people with diabetes. But Novo Nordisk isn’t just about making drugs. They’ve really embraced the idea that to truly make a difference in health, you need to look at the bigger picture, beyond just what happens in a doctor’s office.

The Global Diabetes Challenge

Now, let’s talk about diabetes itself. It’s one of those diseases that’s become almost commonplace, but its impact is anything but ordinary. There are two main types—Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 is where your body can’t produce insulin at all, so you’re reliant on insulin injections or pumps for life. It’s less common but still serious.

Type 2, on the other hand, is much more widespread. This is the one that’s often linked to lifestyle—things like diet, exercise, and weight. But what’s scary is how quickly it’s spreading. We’re talking about 425 million people worldwide with diabetes right now, and most of them have Type 2.

Even worse, the International Diabetes Federation estimates that this number could hit 629 million by 2045. That’s more than the entire population of North America! So why is this happening? A lot of it has to do with changes in our lifestyles—more people living in cities, more sedentary jobs, easy access to unhealthy food, and so on. But there’s also a huge problem with underdiagnosis. About 212 million people globally have Type 2 diabetes and don’t even know it.

That’s millions of people walking around with a ticking time bomb in their bodies, developing complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and vision problems without even realizing it.

Novo Nordisk’s Innovative Ecosystem Approach

Now, here’s where Novo Nordisk steps in with something really innovative—their Cities Changing Diabetes initiative. This isn’t just a typical corporate social responsibility project. It’s a deep, strategic effort to change how diabetes is managed, particularly in cities where the problem is worst.

• Why Cities?

You might be wondering, why focus on cities? Well, over two-thirds of people with diabetes live in urban areas. Cities, with their high population density and often chaotic infrastructure, pose unique challenges. People in cities are more likely to have jobs that keep them sedentary, eat processed foods that are high in sugar and fat, and have limited access to spaces for exercise. Plus, healthcare systems in many cities, especially in developing countries, are overstretched and underfunded. Novo Nordisk saw this and realized that to fight diabetes effectively, they needed to start in the cities where the disease is most prevalent and where it’s growing the fastest. So, they launched the Cities Changing Diabetes program in 2014 with the goal of addressing diabetes not just through medicine, but through changes in the urban environment and community behaviors.

The Map–Share–Act Framework

The strategy behind this initiative is something Novo Nordisk calls the Map–Share–Act framework. It’s a three-step process that’s all about understanding the problem, sharing knowledge, and then taking action.

Map: First, they map out the problem. This isn’t just about figuring out how many people have diabetes. It’s a deep dive into understanding the root causes—things like social inequality, urban planning, and even cultural factors that contribute to the rise of diabetes in cities. For example, they look at how poverty in urban slums can lead to poor diet choices, or how lack of green spaces can discourage physical activity.

Share: Next, they share this information widely. One of the biggest barriers to solving complex problems is the lack of communication between different groups. Novo Nordisk works to break down these silos by bringing together city governments, healthcare providers, academic researchers, and community organizations. They want everyone involved to be on the same page, understanding the problem from all angles.

Act: Finally, they take action. And this isn’t just about launching some public awareness campaign and calling it a day. Novo Nordisk partners with cities to implement real, on-the-ground changes—like setting up diabetes centers in underserved areas, launching public health campaigns, or even influencing urban planning to make cities more conducive to healthy living.