One of the most important sporting events in Poland - the 74th edition of the Tour de Pologne - is joined by Team Novo Nordisk for the second time. Once again, the athletes want to race for the best places on the podium and show that with physical activity and appropriately selected therapy, it is possible to push the horizons of our possibilities. The members of the Team also want to be an inspiration for other patients living with diabetes, who have given up sport due to their illness or are afraid to start training - they are a perfect example of the fact that with diabetes, it is possible to do competitive cycling and to compete with the best riders in the world. This is the second time that Team Novo Nordisk has received a 'wild card' from us - an invitation to take part in the race. Diabetes is a chronic disease that cannot be completely cured. However, this does not mean that it cannot be effectively managed - as experts emphasise, physical activity alongside treatment and diet should be an integral part of living with diabetes. The riders of Team Novo Nordisk, in addition to drawing attention to the important role of physical activity in the prevention of diabetes, also want to emphasise, the vital importance of appropriately selected treatment. It is thanks to it that the cyclists can practise their favourite sport in a competitive manner and even achieve above-average sporting results. Team Novo Nordisk was created as part of the Changing Diabetes programme ('Let's change diabetes together'). The team is made up of riders from all over the world, each with a different story and having gone through their own journey to become a professional athlete. They were diagnosed with diabetes at different stages of their lives - some were diagnosed before they took up cycling and others when they were already competing. Their aim is to inspire, educate and support people with diabetes around the world by showing them how much can be achieved despite the disease. The Team riders compete side-by-side with other Tour de Pologne riders under the same rules. Martjin Verschoor, a participant in this year's race emphasises: I always fight for my place as a cyclist. I always want to be seen as any other rider, not just a rider with diabetes. The activities associated with Team Novo Nordisk's start in the Tour de Pologne are taking place under the banner of the 'We race with diabetes' campaign. The aim of the initiative, initiated by organisations representing the patient community, is to draw attention to the prevention and treatment of diabetes in Poland and the role of education and physical activity in diabetes control, as well as the needs of diabetes patients and health care priorities. Novo Nordisk is a patron of the campaign. For more information visit: http://scigamysiezcukrzyca.pl/
