-- Champions Hope to Inspire People Living with Uncontrolled Blood
Sugar Levels to Join the Circle and Pledge to Get Serious About Managing
Their Diabetes
BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sanofi-aventis, a
world leader in diabetes care, today announced the launch of Circle of
Champions, a national program designed to encourage people living with
diabetes to manage their condition and to strive for optimal blood sugar
control. The program launches as the prevalence of diabetes in the United
States continues to increase, with nearly 24 million Americans estimated to
be living with the disease. Of this number, more than 40 percent are not in
control of their blood glucose, leaving them at an increased risk of
developing diabetes-related complications.
"Sanofi-aventis is committed to diabetes care and we understand how
difficult it can be to find the appropriate treatment plan for patients
with diabetes," said Angela Moskow, Vice President of Diabetes Marketing at
sanofi-aventis U.S. "Through the Circle of Champions program, we are
working to amplify the voices of people who make management of their blood
sugar levels an essential part of their day-to-day life in hopes of
motivating others to take the first step toward improved diabetes
management."
The Circle of Champions is a network of people from all over the United
States living with diabetes who use the long-acting insulin Lantus(R)
(insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection) as a part of their overall
diabetes treatment plan, which includes diet, exercise and other diabetes
medications to help manage their blood sugar levels and keep their A1C
under control. The Champions, who have worked hard to achieve their
personal diabetes goals, are speaking out in local communities across the
country with the hope of inspiring others to Join the Circle and pledge to
strive for better blood sugar control.
For more information about the program and to read the inspirational
stories from people living with diabetes who make up the Circle of
Champions, please visit http://www.MyDiabetesCircle.com. Visitors to the site can
also Join the Circle and pledge to strive for better control of their blood
sugar, and sign up to receive helpful information about diabetes and
Lantus(R).
About Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic, widespread condition in which the body does not
produce or properly use insulin - the hormone needed to transport glucose
(sugar) from the blood into the cells of the body for energy. More than 230
million people worldwide are living with the disease, and this number is
expected to rise to a staggering 350 million within 20 years. It is
estimated that nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, including an
estimated 5.7 million who remain undiagnosed.
As part of an effective diabetes treatment plan, the American Diabetes
Association (ADA) encourages people living with diabetes to track their
blood sugar levels with daily self-monitoring and by taking an A1C test,
which measures average blood sugar levels over the past two-to-three-month
period. To keep blood sugar at levels under control, the ADA recommends
striving for an A1C of less than seven percent. Unfortunately, more than
40% of all diabetes patients in the United States are not achieving this
target with diet, exercise and oral medications alone.* It is important for
patients with diabetes to talk to their treating healthcare provider about
an appropriate A1C goal for them.
About Lantus(R)
Lantus(R) is the only 24-hour insulin approved exclusively for use once
a day. Insulins have a "peak of action," which refers to the time at which
insulin reaches its maximum effect in the body. With Lantus(R), the insulin
is released into the bloodstream at a relatively constant rate throughout
the day and night; therefore it has no pronounced peak.
Important Safety Information for Lantus(R)
Prescription Lantus(R) is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and
children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes who require long-acting
insulin for the control of high blood sugar.
DO NOT DILUTE OR MIX LANTUS(R) WITH ANY OTHER INSULIN OR SOLUTION. It
will not work as intended, and you may lose blood sugar control, which
could be serious. Do not change your insulin without talking with your
doctor. The syringe must not contain any other medication or residue. You
should not use Lantus(R) if you are allergic to insulin. Lantus(R) is a
long-acting insulin you inject just once a day, at the same time each day.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using an insulin such as
Lantus(R).
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus(R), is
hypoglycemia, which may be serious. Other possible side effects may include
injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection
site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases,
some allergic reactions may be life threatening. Tell your doctor about
other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the
way insulin works.
For full prescribing information, please visit http://www.lantus.com.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers,
develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of
everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT : SAN) and in New
York (NYSE : SNY).
US Contacts:
Carrie Melia
Carrie.melia@sanofi-aventis.com
908-981-6486
US.GLA.08.08.054 (C) 2008 sanofi-aventis U.S.LLC
* Based on TRx data from IMS Health, National Prescription Audit(TM)
(Next Generation Prescription Methodology). Time period from May 2003 to
December 2007.
SOURCE sanofi-aventis
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.lantus.com
http://www.MyDiabetesCircle.com
http://www.sanofi-aventis.us
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/232375.html
CONTACT:
Carrie Melia, +1-908-981-6486,
Carrie.melia@sanofi-aventis.com
|
