(NAPSA)—The management ve of diabetes is progressively evolving. The latest medical and technological advances—including ones involving the Internet—have begun providing the 18.2 million Americansaffected by this disease with the kind of freedom few dreamed ofnot all that long ago. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body doesn’t produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert glucose into energy. Since over time the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes—the nation’s fifth-leading cause of death by disease—can lead to complications of the eyes, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys and other organs, anything that would ease the typical daily regimen of insulin injections and the like would be most welcomeby patients. According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, that “simplification” is exactly what’s happening. The Food & Drug Administration, for example, is in the process of approving both insulin patches and inhalants as alternative delivery methods to insulin injections. Breakthroughs in blood glucose monitoring that would allow continuous testing throughout the day are currently in development. And then there’s the Internet. Unlike in the past, the latest advances, treatment and disease management recommendations are now available on the Websites of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Dia- betes Educators, and countless oth- ers. Beyond that, people with diabetes are being helped in managing their disease through the conve- nient online ordering of necessary diabetic supplies, pharmaceuticals and equipment. One such Website run by Better Living Now,a full-service, national provider of all types of health care products and services based in Hauppauge, New York, takes cus- A= lB . A Web site now offers all the medical supplies and medication needed to managediabetes. tomer service a step further. In addition to the company’s toll-free number (877-238-5486) and user-friendly online ordering of blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, insulin pumps and accessories, needles, syringes and diabetes medications at www.betterlivingnow.com, the company has started a Chronic Care Compliance Program to help people with diabetes stay healthy. Under this program, specially trained customer service representatives initi- ate remindercalls to let patients knowthatit’s time to reorder blood glucose testing supplies and prescription medication when their supplies are runninglow. Better Living Now also manages all insurance claims and paperwork so patients don’t have to. And they will contact physicians for prescription renewal and fill necessary medical orders with up to 90-day supplies. Members also receive special discounts when ordering online and can contact the company’s pharmacy with questions about their medication.
