Diabetes

Diabetes Awareness

Over the past few years, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions around the world. Approximately 230 million people worldwide have diabetes, and this figure is likely to reach 350 million by 2030, according to the Diabetes Education and Research Center. China has emerged as the country with the largest number of cases, with nearly 40 million people over age 20, or approximately three percent of the adult population, affected; while India has the second-largest number of cases, an estimated 30 million people, or about six percent of the adult population. Despite this emerging health concern, however, many patients lack access to information about diabetes, and the associated risk of disability and premature death if the condition is not properly managed. We are active in educating millions of people with the disease, as well as those who may have diabetes but remain undiagnosed.

Diabetes Camps

For the sixth consecutive year, Abbott supported diabetes camps across the United States through our Send a Kid to Camp program, which provides product donations and scholarship funds that make it possible for children and teens (6–17 years of age) newly diagnosed with diabetes or struggling with the challenges of diabetes to attend a diabetes summer camp for the first time.

Benefits of the diabetes camps include:

• Addressing the childhood stigma of being diagnosed with diabetes and reinforcing the message that kids with diabetes can live normal, healthy lives.
• Providing a healthy and safe environment to learn about managing the condition.
• In-depth training about diabetes management, including using a glucose meter, counting carbohydrates and other diabetes-related tips and education.

We donated our FreeStyle Flash blood glucose meters and strips, as well as our Precision Xtra meters and strips for measuring both blood glucose and blood ketones, to the camp. Since the program's launch in 2001, Abbott has donated more than $500,000 in scholarships, covering lodging, meals and other fees associated with camp-sponsored activities, and almost $1 million in product donations. To date, Abbott has sponsored more than 500 children's participation in diabetes camps in more than 30 states.

Diabetes Control for Life

In response to the need for a personalized, affordable diabetes management plan, Abbott launched the Diabetes Control for Life program, a free, 24-week, Web-based program for people with Type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight and better control their blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that even a five percent weight loss in people with Type 2 diabetes can improve health by lowering blood sugar levels.

The program includes:

• Personal assessment report to determine levels of readiness to change eating habits and lifestyle.
• Customizable meal plans and fitness plans.
• Helpful, motivating articles about healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle.
• Weekly e-mail communication to encourage, educate and motivate participants.
• Access to live, one-on-one instant messaging with registered dietitians.

For more information, visit www.glucerna.net

Put Diabetes Control in the Palm of Your Hand

Abbott launched the Put Diabetes Control in the Palm of Your Hand program, a cross-country bus tour that provides free samples of Glucerna nutrition shakes and bars, FreeStyle blood glucose monitoring demonstrations, educational literature and valuable coupons. Featured stops included American Diabetes Association expos, and Hispanic and African-American health events, where we hosted free diabetes management presentations (in English and Spanish) with tips for better controlling the condition with diet, exercise and regular blood glucose monitoring. We also launched Diabetes Control for Life, a free, online diabetes management tool. For more information, visit www.diabeteshealthconnection.com.