MyDiabetesHQ was developed through the Cities Changing Diabetes initiative, which brought together a variety of stakeholders representing patients, healthcare, government, employers, faith-based organizations and non-profits to identify solutions to address diabetes in Houston and collaboratively implement them.
Cities Changing Diabetes is a global program of Novo Nordisk in which 30 cities around the world are learning how to improve diabetes detection and care in their communities. Houston and Philadelphia are the only American cities participating. The program aims to map the problem, share solutions, and drive concrete action to fight the diabetes challenge.
Cities Changing Diabetes launched in Houston in November 2014 with a comprehensive analysis of the major gaps and vulnerabilities associated with diabetes. Soon after it launched, the program invested more than a year researching the diabetes epidemic in Houston. A community-wide assessment identified the populations most at risk for developing the disease and compared them to Houstonians already diagnosed with diabetes.
This work led to the formation of five Action Work Groups with more than 75 diverse members representing approximately 60 faith-based organizations, government, health insurance companies, medical providers, employers and non-profit entities.