LifeScan Canada Celebrates 30-Year Commitment to Providing Solutions for People with Diabetes

BURNABY, Nov. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - LifeScan Canada celebrated its 30^th anniversary in British Columbia, more specifically the Lower Mainland on November 19. To commemorate this milestone and in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, LifeScan hosted a reception in its new office space. The event was attended by MLA Randy Hawes (Abbotsford), MLA Richard Lee (Burnaby North), MLA Kathy Corrigan (Burnaby) and several health care sector leaders. At the reception, LifeScan Canada also presented a donation to Diabetes and My Nation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health outcomes of Aboriginal people living with diabetes.

"Diabetes rates are three to five times higher among Aboriginal adults compared to the non-Aboriginal population and these rates are continuing to increase," says Hesham Nabih, Executive Director of Diabetes and My Nation. "Our organization develops culturally appropriate diabetes education materials and programs and works hard to build bridges between Aboriginal communities and healthcare services. We are thankful to LifeScan Canada for the work it does within the diabetes community, and more specifically for its donation to help us continue to promote diabetes management and prevention among Aboriginal people."

Incorporated in 1982, LifeScan Canada Ltd. strives to be a positive influence in people's lives by introducing important advances in diabetes care to Canadians. With a vision of Creating a World without Limits for People with Diabetes and its OneTouch® products and solutions, the company is a leader in the diabetes industry. It also forms positive partnerships and collaborations with organizations such as the Canadian Diabetes Association, Diabetes Hope Foundation, United Way, Diabetes Hands Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to increase awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related research.

"We don't want diabetes to hold anybody back, which is why all our efforts at LifeScan Canada are directed at developing solutions and innovations to allow people with diabetes to live life first," says Brad Moore, General Manager of LifeScan Canada. "Today, we are here to celebrate 30 years of being part of the community as well as our continual efforts to improve the lives of people with diabetes."

While he was not able to attend the event in person, Minister of State for Seniors, Ralph Sultan sent the following regards:

"LifeScan Canada's contribution to innovations in health care, particularly diabetes research and development, is important to British Columbians. Through these advancements in diabetes care and management, seniors are able to access and use care products for diabetes easily, keeping them healthier and more active. Healthy aging at home means seniors are able to stay close and connected to friends and family and remain active members of their communities."

Minister of Health Margaret MacDiarmid was also unable to attend and sent a letter expressing regards:

"With World Diabetes Day having been observed on November 14, and November as Diabetes Awareness Month, it is timely to acknowledge LifeScan Canada's contributions to introducing important advances in diabetes care to Canadians and British Columbians. As a family doctor, I have seen first-hand how diabetes affects families, seniors and youth. As of 2010, there were 338,000 people living with diabetes in B.C.—and this number is estimated to grow to 548,000 by 2020. Working together with industry to create innovations, like blood glucose monitoring devices, has helped countless British Columbians. Diabetes doesn't have to control lives. With a healthy lifestyle and continued research, we can make a big difference."

More than 40 people attended the reception which included sentiments from Dr. Keith Dawson, Chief Robert Joseph, Donna Van Walleghem, Regional Director from the Canadian Diabetes Association and Janis Horne, Director of UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

About LifeScan Canada Ltd.
LifeScan Canada Ltd., a leader in providing advanced products and services in the diabetes industry, is dedicated to creating a world without limits for people with diabetes. The company markets a wide range of glucose monitoring systems and software for use by people with diabetes and healthcare professionals. For information about diabetes care and LifeScan products and services, visit www.OneTouch.ca.

SOURCE: LifeScan

Julia Smith
Communications
LifeScan Canada
604.803.0897