This Is the Moment Everything Changed: Ascensia Launches Global Art and Photography Competition for World Diabetes Day

Global competition invites people to share the defining moment in their diabetes journey through original artwork and photography.

BASEL, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascensia Diabetes Care, a global diabetes care company and subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (TYO 6523), has launched its fifth annual This Is Diabetes Art & Photography Competition in support of World Diabetes Day 2026.

This year's global competition is themed "This Is the Moment Everything Changed", inviting people from around the world to share original artwork or photography inspired by the defining moments that shape life with diabetes. For some, that moment was recognising symptoms or receiving a diagnosis. For others, it was finding support, overcoming fear, or discovering they could live life on their own terms. By sharing these personal stories, the competition aims to help more people understand the realities of living with diabetes.

Submissions are open globally and free to enter at www.thisisdiabetes.com until 23 October 2026, with winners announced as part of World Diabetes Day, the International Diabetes Federation's global awareness campaign held each year on 14 November.

Peter Bodlund, CEO of Ascensia Diabetes Care, commented:

"Every year, I'm struck by the honesty, creativity and emotion behind the entries we receive. They remind us that behind every diabetes diagnosis is a person, a family and a moment that changes life forever. Those difficult moments also mark the beginning of resilience, support, and hope.

This competition gives people the opportunity to tell their story in their own way while helping others better understand what living with diabetes really means. I'm looking forward to seeing this year's entries and the conversations they'll inspire."

This year, winners will nominate diabetes charities to receive charitable donations in their name from a EUR 20,000 donation fund. Donations will be awarded as follows:

• First Prize: EUR 10,000 charitable donation
• Second Prize: EUR 5,000 charitable donation
• Third Prize: EUR 2,000 charitable donation
• People's Choice Award: EUR 3,000 charitable donation

A panel of global artists, photographers, diabetes advocates and Ascensia representatives will judge entries based on creativity, originality, storytelling and relevance to this year's theme. New for 2026, the People's Choice Award will give the public the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalist, allowing the diabetes community to recognise one of this year's most powerful stories.

Selected artwork and photography from this year's competition will be made available free of charge for diabetes awareness activities around the world. Healthcare organisations, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies and community groups will be encouraged to display the collection to help start conversations and raise awareness in their local communities.

About Ascensia Diabetes Care

Ascensia Diabetes Care is a global company focused entirely on helping people with diabetes. Our mission is to empower those living with diabetes through innovative solutions that simplify and support their daily management.

Ascensia is home to the world-renowned CONTOUR^® portfolio of blood glucose monitoring systems. Our products combine advanced technology with user-friendly functionality to help people with diabetes manage their condition and make a positive difference to their lives. As a trusted partner in the diabetes community, we collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and other partners to ensure our products meet the highest standards of accuracy, precision and reliability, and that we conduct our business compliantly and with integrity.

Ascensia is a member of PHC Group and was established in 2016 through the acquisition of Bayer Diabetes Care by PHC Holdings Corporation. Ascensia products are sold in more than 90 countries, with direct commercial organizations in 29 countries worldwide.

For further information, please visit www.ascensia.com.

About PHC Holdings Corporation

PHC Holdings Corporation (TYO 6523) is a global collection of healthcare companies with a mission of contributing to the health of society through healthcare solutions that have a positive impact and improve the lives of people. Its subsidiaries (referred to collectively as PHC Group) include PHC Corporation, Ascensia Diabetes Care, Epredia, LSI Medience Corporation, Wemex Corporation, and Mediford Corporation. Together, these companies develop, manufacture, sell and service solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, life sciences and diagnostics. PHC Group’s consolidated net sales in FY2025 were JPY 364.4 billion with global distribution of products and services in more than 125 countries and regions. www.phchd.com