Canadians Living with Diabetes Get the STAR Treatment

Introducing STARsystem^TM - a revolutionary web-based platform providing support for people with diabetes to self-manage

LAVAL, QC, March 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Diabetes management is entering a new era with the Sanofi STARsystem ^TM support platform and the new first-of-its-kind iBGStar ^TM meter.  Now, with STARsystem ^TM, at any time of day people living with diabetes can access personalized education, an action plan to help optimize their health, health coaching and much more.  What's more, with only a couple swipes of an iPhone, Canadians living with diabetes can monitor their blood glucose levels and email their data to their doctor*.

"The whole goal of diabetes management is so that we can enjoy our life today and well beyond our senior years.  This requires a combination of healthy living, a positive attitude, and a strong support system of resources.  Help can come in so many ways.  It's about how you like to learn, where do you go for information, who can help motivate you, and, of course, blood glucose monitoring to help you help yourself," says pharmacist and certified diabetes educator Susie Jin.

STARsystem ^TM was designed to address the unmet needs of Canadians living with diabetes and helps empower them by providing tailored support and advice on five key areas:

• Monitoring
• Managing
• Eating
• Moving
• Feeling

"Through STARsystem, each user gets a personalized assessment that directs them to tailored resources and provides a custom achievable curriculum that guides them towards reaching their wellness goals," says Hugh O'Neill, President and CEO of Sanofi Canada.  "A personalized dashboard even helps track progress along the way.  It's like having a diabetes support team right in your pocket."

STARsystem ^TM is free for iBGStar ^TM and BGStar ^TM users and is the only diabetes management system that comes with free health coaching sessions (90 minutes of one-on-one health coaching by phone and 6 months of unlimited online support), a proven positive influence for people living with diabetes.

For more information and to become a STARsystem ^TM member, visit STARsystem.sanofi.ca.

What is iBGStar?
iBGStar ^TM is the first blood glucose monitor in Canada that seamlessly connects to an iPhone or iPod touch, allowing users to view and analyze their results in real-time as well as access the STARsystem.

iBGStar ^TM highlights:

• First meter to seamlessly connect to an iPhone or iPod touch
• Allows people to view and analyse their results in real-time
• Easy to use Diabetes Manager App tracks blood glucose, carbohydrate intake and insulin dose for on-the-go monitoring
• People can share their data via email*

What is BGStar ^TM?
For non-iPhone users, BGStar is a sleek, compact and discrete blood glucose monitor.  BGStar ^TM users can access STARsystem ^TM online.

BGStar ^TM highlights:

• Simple to use with large backlit, easy-to-read display
• Large memory capacity, holds over 1,865 tests for instant review
• Ability to add mealtime tags to view pre and post mealtime averages and other personalized features
• Is free for the consumer with purchase of 100 BGStar ^TM test strips

About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, rare diseases, consumer healthcare, emerging markets and animal health. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi companies in Canada include sanofi-aventis Canada Inc. (pharmaceuticals), Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (health and beauty), Genzyme (rare diseases) and Merial (animal health). Together they employ more than 1,700 people, mainly in the greater Montreal and Toronto areas. In 2010 Sanofi companies invested $159.2 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.

*Sharing results will require permission from the healthcare professional

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Video with caption: "Video: Canadians Living with Diabetes Get the STAR Treatment". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20120329_C8974_VIDEO_EN_11739.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20120329_C8974_PHOTO_EN_11739.jpg&clientName=SANOFI%20CANADA&caption=Video%3A%20Canadians%20Living%20with%20Diabetes%20Get%20the%20STAR%20Treatment&title=SANOFI%20CANADA%20%2D%20Canadians%20Living%20with%20Diabetes%20Get%20the%20STAR%20Treatment&headline=Canadians%20Living%20with%20Diabetes%20Get%20the%20STAR%20Treatment

Image with caption: "iBGStar (CNW Group/SANOFI CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120329_C8974_PHOTO_EN_11735.jpg

Image with caption: "BGStar (CNW Group/SANOFI CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120329_C8974_PHOTO_EN_11733.jpg

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