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BD Medical, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), today released successful results of a worksite diabetes prevention program carried out at the BD Medical facility in Sandy, Utah. A Research Abstract will appear in the September Volume of the AAOHN (American Association of Occupational Health Nurses) Journal detailing the program and its success. ^[1]

The study was conducted by BD in collaboration with Intermountain Healthcare, Inc. and Dr. Steven Aldana, Department of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University.

“We are very pleased with these continued results,” said Greg Meehan, Vice President, BD Medical – Medical Surgical Systems in Sandy, Utah. “At BD, we are committed to stemming the growing incidences of diabetes and to helping the general public better understand and manage the disease and its complications. Programs like our Diabetes Prevention Program for our own employees, BD Diabetes Kids Camps, and the BD Diabetes Makeover® Program are just a few examples of how at BD we are truly working to help all people live healthier lives.”

The purpose of the study was to determine the two-year impact of a worksite-based diabetes prevention program. Thirty-seven employees with pre-diabetes participated in a 12-month worksite diabetes prevention program. Weight, body mass index, waist circumference, oral glucose tolerance testing, fasting insulin, blood lipids, and aerobic fitness improved significantly after 6 months. Much of this improvement continued for at least 12 months. One year following the intervention, oral glucose tolerance and aerobic fitness had improved significantly.

Of the 22 employees who remained in the study for 24 months, more than half had normal results on glucose tolerance testing. Worksite diabetes prevention programs may reduce blood glucose below pre-diabetic and diabetic levels. Improvements in diabetes risk factors persisted for at least two years in most of these employees. ^[1]

“Although the economic impact of diabetes, obesity and all related complications are not yet fully known, we strongly believe that efforts like this can have a positive impact on people’s lives, improve overall workplace productivity, and reduce some of the strain on our nation’s healthcare system,” said Meehan.

BD Medical in Sandy, Utah, implemented and evaluated a diabetes prevention program using the same protocol and curriculum as the National Institutes of Health Diabetes Prevention Program. Physical activity, dietary education, and behavior change activities were offered in both group and individual settings. BD Medical administration allowed employees to participate during regular work hours without losing pay or personal time. Participation was voluntary. A physician oversaw the safety and delivery of the program.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Type 2 diabetes affects approximately 9% of adults. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that the lifetime probability of being diagnosed with diabetes is 35% for Caucasians born in the United States in 2000 and almost 50% for Hispanics born in the United States in 2000. The CDC further estimates that men diagnosed with diabetes at age 40 will lose 11.6 life-years and 18.6 quality-adjusted life-years and women diagnosed with diabetes at age 40 will lose 14.3 life-years and 22.0 quality-adjusted life-years.

For more information, please see the Research Abstract appearing in the September Volume of the AAOHN Journal. (http://www.aaohnjournal.com)

About BD

BD, a leading global medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents, is dedicated to improving people’s health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug therapy, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases, and advancing research and discovery of new drugs and vaccines. The Company’s capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world’s most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs more than 25,000 people in approximately 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.