- DC-Area Residents Show Significant Health Improvements After Initial Eight-Week Program - FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BD Diabetes Care announced today the results of the DC Diabetes Makeover at the American Association of Diabetes Educators' national convention in Washington, DC. All three participants in the program demonstrated that the team approach promoted in the BD Diabetes Makeover can lead to better diabetes management and overall health, as well as reduce the risk of complications from the disease. "The BD Diabetes Makeover takes a thorough, holistic approach to diabetes care, which is extremely important given the many facets of the disease," said Andrea Zaldivar, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator, director of Clinical Services of the North General Diagnostic and Treatment Center, New York and a member of the BD Diabetes Dream Team. "The stories of these three participants are an inspiration to people living with diabetes because they are proof that this approach really works." The BD Diabetes Dream Team -- a group of the nation's leading clinical, diabetes education, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle organization experts- provided participants in the DC Makeover with individual evaluations and a tailored program to improve their diabetes care. The personalized care plans included a clinical evaluation, updated medication regimens, education on diabetes self-management practices, an individualized fitness plan, nutrition guidance, lifestyle management skills and ongoing support. Participant results: After the initial eight-week period, all participants reduced their A1C levels and one participant even showed a reduction of more than 4 percentage points. Additionally, each of the makeover participants have expressed and demonstrated more confidence in their ability to manage their diabetes. Lydia was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 53 only weeks before she was selected to participate in the makeover process. She is now checking her blood glucose 3-4 times per day and has learned the relationship between blood glucose and food intake. She has also learned to maintain her care regimen during a time of high stress in her life, including a move and the close of her business. Colin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 11 years ago at the age of 13 and had an outdated knowledge base, having not seen a diabetes educator since 1996. Prior to the makeover, Colin was not checking his blood glucose levels at all; he now checks it prior to each meal. He has shown an improvement in blood glucose levels and consistency. Sandra, now 61, was diagnosed with diabetes 30 years ago while living in Germany, but was never diagnosed as type 1 or type 2 until she was selected to participate in the makeover, when she was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes. She has shown great improvement in controlling her portion sizes at meals and also decreased snacking. Additionally, Sandra went from little or no regular exercise to exercising at least three times per week. "We are proud of the participants and proud of this program," said Bill Marshall, President, BD Diabetes Care. "BD brought this successful program to the nation's capital because diabetes affects more than 8.5 percent of people over the age of 18 in the D.C. metropolitan area and the company is committed to raising awareness of the important issue of managing." 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 and made significant progress in managing diabetes. The BD Diabetes Dream Team - Endocrinologist, Dr. Harvey Katzeff -- Chief of the Division of Endocrinology at North Shore - Long Island Jewish Medical Center, program director of the Endocrinology Training Program and medical director of the Obesity Management Program at North Shore - Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New York - Diabetes Nurse Educator, Andrea Zaldivar -- Registered nurse and certified diabetes educator, Clinical Director of the North General Diagnostic and Treatment Center, New York - Registered Dietician, Ann Fittante -- Registered dietician and certified diabetes educator at the Joslin Diabetes Center Education Affiliate at Swedish Medical Center, Seattle - Exercise Physiologist, Paul Frickman -- Diabetes exercise coordinator, wellness lecturer and intramural administrator, coordinator and administrator of exercise programs at the Florida Hospital Diabetes Center, Orlando - Professional Organizer, Pam Kelly -- Professional organizer, re-designer and owner of Pam Kelly Interiors, Chicago BD Diabetes Dream Team's Five Tips for Good Diabetes Care: - Dr. Katzeff: "Work with your doctor to develop a target blood glucose levels and a diabetes management program that is right for you." - Ann Fittante: "Balance your meals with your daily fitness and medication routines to keep your blood glucose levels within your target range." - Paul Frickman: "Exercise at least thirty minutes three times a week to lower your blood glucose levels and improve your body's use of insulin." - Andrea Zaldivar: "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." - Pam Kelly: "Organize your life to ensure you have time to take care of yourself every day. " For more information on the results of the DC Diabetes Makeover or to find out how to apply for the next BD Diabetes Makeover, please visit: http://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. DATASOURCE: BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) CONTACT: Michael Marinello, +1-201-847-7437, or Cell: +1-973-868-9348, or ; or Alyssa Zeff, +1-201-847-4358, or Cell: +1-917-273-3685, or Web site: http://www.bd.com/

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