News & Events
BD Diabetes Makeover Program Comes to Nation's Capital
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Top Legislators Join Olympic Gold Medalist, Company, Urging Those with Diabetes to
Reap Benefits from Improving Their Care Regimen
Contact: Michael Marinello BD Public Relations (201) 847-7437 Franklin Lakes, NJ (July 13, 2005) -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a global medical technology company, is bringing the success of its national Diabetes Makeover program to Washington D.C. to help inspire those with diabetes to improve the way they manage their care. “The BD Diabetes Makeover takes a thorough, holistic approach to diabetes care, which is extremely important given the many facets of the disease,” said Harvey Katzeff, M.D., chief of the Division of Endocrinology at North Shore Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New York and a member of the BD Diabetes Dream Team. “Each year, as knowledge about diabetes expands, we want to encourage all people with the condition to play an active role in keeping their diabetes in check.” Led by Dr. Katzeff and other members of the BD Diabetes Dream Team—a group of the nation’s leading clinical, diabetes education, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle organization experts—participants in the DC Makeover were individually evaluated and provided a tailored program to improve their diabetes care. The personalized care plans include a clinical evaluation, updated medication regimens, education on diabetes self-management practices, an individualized fitness plan, nutrition guidance, lifestyle management skills and ongoing support. “Patient self-management of diabetes may prevent or reduce the complications associated with this disease,” said Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. “That is why diabetes care and management regimens, like the BD Diabetes Makeover, are so important in helping people with diabetes achieve better control, and improve their health and quality of life.” The Diabetes Makeover also draws on the inspiration of Gary Hall, Jr., Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999. After putting together a team of specialists to help him better manage his diabetes Gary has since won 6 of his 10 Olympic medals, including a Gold in 2004. Gary serves as spokesperson for the BD Diabetes Makeover. Last fall, over an eight-week period, five participants from across the country participated in the initial BD Diabetes Makeover. As a result every participant lowered his or her blood glucose levels into target range. “I applaud BD for bringing this program to our nation\'s capital," said Representative Jim Ramstad (R-MN), co-chair of the Medical Technology Caucus and member of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. "The medical tools used by people with diabetes, like blood glucose monitors, play a direct role in their ability to manager their care. With diabetes being the sixth deadliest disease in the United States, we need to be certain that patients have access to the resources they need, including care regimens and therapies, to fit the circumstances of their daily lives." 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 United States and the leading cause of blindness in Americans ages 20-74. Type 1 diabetes accounts for between five and ten percent of the total population with diabetes; type 2 diabetes accounts for the remainder. The BD Diabetes Dream Team
For more information on BD diabetes products and the Diabetes Makeover program log onto: www.bd.com/dm. 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. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, BD reported total revenues of $4.935 billion.
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