News & Events
BD Presents Diabetes Makeover to Inspire Better Diabetes Care
|
- Dream Team of Diabetes Experts Assembled - Olympic Gold Medalist Gary Hall, Jr. to act as Spokesperson
Contact: Michael Marinello BD Public Relations (201) 847-7437 Franklin Lakes, NJ (November 05, 2004) -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE:BDX), a global medical technology company that has been a leader in diabetes care since 1924, presents the BD Diabetes Makeover, a national program designed to motivate people with diabetes to improve their diabetes management. Gary Hall, Jr., five-time Olympic gold medalist, is partnering with BD and the BD Dream Team of experts on this initiative to inspire people with diabetes to understand that there are no barriers to what they can accomplish.
"The BD Diabetes Makeover takes a comprehensive approach to diabetes care, which is particularly important given the many dimensions of this disease," says Harvey Katzeff, M.D., BD Diabetes Dream Team member and chief of the Division of Endocrinology at North Shore Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New York. "Every year we learn more about how to manage diabetes and we want to encourage every person with this condition to play an active role in keeping their diabetes in check."
Participants from across the country are undergoing the BD Diabetes Makeover. Led by the BD Diabetes Dream Team—a team of leading clinical, diabetes education, nutrition, fitness and lifestyle organization experts—each participant has been evaluated and provided a tailored program to improve their diabetes care. The personalized care plans include a clinical evaluation, new medication regimens, education on diabetes self-management practices, an individualized fitness plan, nutrition guidance, lifestyle management skills and ongoing support.
"I am excited to partner with BD on the BD Diabetes Makeover because it shows that people can really improve their diabetes with the right tools, resources and support," said Gary Hall Jr., 2004 Olympic gold medalist, who also has type 1 diabetes. "With support from BD, I can educate others about how to better manage their diabetes and give them hope that they can also achieve their goals."
Diabetes affects more than 18 million Americans today and more than 5 million of them go undiagnosed according to the Americans Diabetes Association. Diabetes is the sixth largest cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of blindness in Americans ages 20-74. Type 1 diabetes, like Gary Hall's, accounts for between five and ten percent of the total people with diabetes; type 2 diabetes accounts for the remainder.
"The Dream Team, the makeover participants, and Gary Hall are a powerful combination," says Edward J. Ludwig, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The BD Diabetes Makeover, along with BD's state-of-the-art diabetes care products, exemplifies our commitment to making it possible for people with diabetes to control their care and live healthier lives."
The BD Diabetes Dream Team
BD Diabetes Dream Team's Five Tips for Good Diabetes Care:
- Work with your doctor to develop a target blood glucose levels and a diabetes management program that is right for you.
- Balance your meals with your daily fitness and medication routines to keep your blood glucose levels within your target range.
- Exercise at least thirty minutes three times a week--to lower your blood glucose levels and improve your body's use of insulin.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels at least four times a day to make sure that you are keeping your blood glucose levels within your target range.
- Organize your life to ensure you have time to take care of yourself every day.
BD Diabetes Products BD's heritage in diabetes care began in 1924 when the first dose of insulin was delivered with a BD syringe. Today, BD provides a comprehensive line of diabetes care products from lancets and blood glucose meters to help people test their blood glucose levels quickly and easily, to BD Ultra-Fine™ insulin syringes needles that make insulin injection more comfortable, to home sharps disposal containers that help people with diabetes easily and safely dispose of their supplies.
For more information on BD diabetes products and the makeover program log onto: www.bddiabetes.com.
About BD BD is a medical technology company that serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, industry and the general public. BD manufactures and sells a broad range of medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment and diagnostic products.
|