News & Events

(September 08, 1999) -- BD(NYSE:BDX) and the International Diabetes Center (IDC) announced today the formation of a joint venture directed at the continued development and dissemination of Staged Diabetes Management (SDM(TM)), a clinical pathways program for the prevention, detection and treatment of diabetes and its complications. SDM was developed by the IDC with the support of educational grants from BD. The IDC will continue to have exclusive and independent responsibility for the development of scientific and clinical content for the program. All other aspects of materials and media development as well as program dissemination are carried out by the joint venture. This new venture will enable SDM to broaden its current support from health care organizations, foundations, industry, and government.

Staged Diabetes Management(TM) is a systematic, data-based approach to the management of diabetes and its complications from a primary care perspective. The program's pathways facilitate convenient use by all members of the diabetes care team. Unique to SDM is the ability to customize its clinical pathways and practice guidelines for health maintenance organizations, medical centers, university hospitals and clinics as well as whole communities, addressing the unique needs of each.

In discussing this new initiative, the joint venture's scientific director, Dr. Roger Mazze of the International Diabetes Center, stated that, "SDM has proven itself over the past ten years, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving outcomes for people with diabetes. We are very excited about this opportunity to continue our work promoting better diabetes care though the practice of SDM."

On BD's behalf, joint venture development director Tim Gordon stated, "This venture brings a new dimension to both our collaboration with the IDC and to SDM. In creating this venture it is our purpose to accelerate the adoption of SDM in order to provide the greatest possible benefit to the diabetes community."

The International Diabetes Center is a world leader in the development, evaluation and implementation of education and treatment models designed to improve the health and lives of people with diabetes. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the IDC is part of a dynamic and progressive health care community. With affiliated centers nationwide and international partners in South America, Europe and Asia, the IDC is able to continually translate its cutting-edge research and experience into practical strategies for communities around the globe. The IDC is part of the Institute for Research and Education HealthSystem Minnesota. HealthSystem Minnesota, an integrated care system, also includes Methodist Hospital, Park Nicollet Clinic, Primary Physician Network and The Foundation.

BD manufactures and sells a broad range of medical supplies and devices and diagnostic systems for use by health care professionals, medical research institutions, industry and the general public. For its most recent fiscal year, the company reported revenues of $3.1 billion.