COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent survey conducted by Kelton Research, an estimated nine out of 10 people with Type 2 diabetes know that weight loss would help them to better control their diabetes and recognize the importance of a personalized weight management plan, but more than half mention expenses more than any other factor as a challenge to their daily diabetes management.

In response to the need for a personalized, affordable diabetes management plan, Abbott's Glucerna(R) Brand Shakes and Bars has launched the Diabetes Control for Life(TM) Program, a free 24-week Web-based program for people with diabetes who want to lose weight and better control their blood sugar levels. The program was designed specifically for people with Type 2 diabetes by a team of health care professionals to encourage healthier nutrition, activity, and lifestyle changes.

"Affordable, customized care is essential to successful weight loss among the millions of Americans with Type 2 diabetes," said Lorena Drago, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at The New York Weil Cornell Medical Center. "For those living with the condition, a weight management plan tailored to their personal needs and goals is equally as important as general education about the complexities of diabetes care."

Weight management has a profound impact on the long-term cost and complications related to diabetes. Studies have shown that even a 5 percent weight loss in people with Type 2 diabetes can improve health by lowering blood sugar levels(1).

The Diabetes Control for Life(TM) Program is a 24-week program that encourages participants to eat healthy, live an active life and address lifestyle habits that have made previous attempts at weight loss unsuccessful. The free Web-based program includes:

-- Personal assessment report to determine levels of readiness to change eating habits and lifestyle -- Customizable meal plans and fitness plans -- Helpful, motivating articles about healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle -- Weekly e-mail communication to encourage, educate and motivate participants -- Access to live, one-on-one instant messaging with registered dietitians

Among those with Type 2 diabetes, four out of five people surveyed said they would be willing to participate in a free, Web-based weight management program that was tailored to their needs, such as the Diabetes Control for Life Program (Kelton).

"Comprehensive, readily accessible lifestyle improvement programs for people with diabetes are not always affordable or easy to find," explains Carolyn Alish, Senior Nutrition Scientist, Abbott's Ross Products Division. "In response, our health care professional team developed the Diabetes Control for Life Program with personalized meal and fitness plans and a unique instant messaging function that allows participants to communicate online with a registered dietitian at no expense, in the comfort of their own home or anywhere they have Internet access."

To enroll in the Diabetes Control for Life Program or for more information, visit http://www.diabeteshealthconnection.com/ . For people with diabetes who do not have access to the Internet, a free guide to weight management and meal planning is available by calling 1-877-7GLUCERNA. As with any weight loss program, participants should talk to their health care professional before starting the program.

More information about the Diabetes Control for Life Program, Glucerna Products and diabetes management, along with access to high-resolution images, is available for news media professionals at http://www.e-mediaroom.com/ControlForLife .

About Abbott's Ross Products Division

Abbott's Ross Products Division, based in Columbus, Ohio, is committed to developing nutrition products that satisfy the needs of people with diabetes and the healthcare professionals who care for them by offering nutritional support for a healthy lifestyle. Ross Products markets Glucerna(R) Shakes, Glucerna Weight Loss Shakes, Glucerna Snack Bars and Glucerna Meal Bars in the United States through retail pharmacies, grocery stores and major discount stores. Glucerna products are for use under medical supervision as part of a diabetes management plan. Additional information about Abbott's Ross Products Division can be found at http://www.ross.com/ .

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs 60,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com/ .

The National Diabetes Management Survey was conducted by Kelton Research during November 2005 among a national sample of 500 men and women over the age of 40 with diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, with a +/- 4.4 margin of error with 95 percent confidence.

(1) Klein S. et al. A statement of the American Diabetes Association, the North American Association for the Study of Obesity, and the American Society for Clinical Nutrition. Diabetes Care 2004;27:2067.

CONTACT: Carolyn Valek of Abbott, +1-614-624-7485

Web site: http://www.abbott.com/
http://www.ross.com/
http://www.diabeteshealthconnection.com/
http://www.e-mediaroom.com/ControlForLife

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