•• Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actress Elizabeth Perkins, who is living with type 1 diabetes, is partnering with Sanofi US on the Diabetes Co-Stars awareness campaign to produce a new documentary that will feature people living with diabetes and those who support them. Beginning today through December 16, 2012 people can submit their stories to the nationwide casting call at www.DiabetesCoStars.com!

Diabetes Co-Stars is an awareness campaign for people living with diabetes and their loved ones. Did you know that nearly 26 million Americans are living with diabetes, including 7 million who remain undiagnosed. Watch the videos below to hear her inspiring story and don’t forget to enter the casting call contest for a chance to appear alongside your favorite actress in a documentary about what it’s really like living with diabetes.

“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,” said Perkins, star of the upcoming ABC sitcom “How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life).”

Elizabeth Perkins, who is one of nearly 26 million Americans living with diabetes, currently uses Lantus® SoloSTAR® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection) as part of her overall diabetes treatment plan, which also includes exercise and a healthy diet. Another important aspect of Perkins’ overall 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,” said 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.”

People living with diabetes are invited 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 management. To enter the casting call with a video or written entry, hear more about Perkins’ story, and to view the official rules visit www.DiabetesCoStars.com. Two co-star teams of winners will be announced on January 31, 2013, along with more information about the documentary’s premiere. Follow the Sanofi US Diabetes Facebook page and Twitter feed for additional updates.

Diabetes Co-Stars has helped millions of Americans understand the power of a strong support team for people living with diabetes since its launch in 2010. As part of this year’s program, Sanofi US will sponsor the Diabetes Hands Foundation in support of their efforts to encourage an open dialogue around the realities of living with diabetes. The Diabetes Hands Foundation works to connect, engage, and empower people touched by diabetes.