Bridgewater, NJ – October 16, 2008 – 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® (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 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®.
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.2 It is important for patients with diabetes to talk to their treating healthcare provider about an appropriate A1C goal for them.
About Lantus®
Lantus® 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®, 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®
Prescription Lantus® 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® 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® if you are allergic to insulin. Lantus® 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®.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, 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 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