Abbott Announces New Glucerna(R) Cereal, Shakes and Snack Bars Designed to Spike Taste Buds, Not Blood Sugar for People with Diabetes

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- People with diabetes often have to sacrifice flavor and variety in their diets to help control their blood sugar -- until now. Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is now offering people with diabetes new snack and meal choices specifically formulated for their special dietary needs. Abbott's new and improved line of Glucerna(R) nutrition products includes cereal, shakes and snack bars with great taste, more convenient packaging and new ingredients to help manage blood sugar spikes.

The new line of products includes a unique cereal formulated specifically for people with diabetes, along with an improved version of the popular Glucerna shake in a convenient reclosable plastic bottle instead of a metal can. The new reclosable bottles make it easier for people to have a diabetes-friendly snack or meal wherever they are. Other additions include Glucerna Snack Shakes and Glucerna Mini-Snack Bars. The new cereal and reformulated shakes contain unique carbohydrate blends that have been clinically shown to help manage blood sugar spikes along with an important mineral, chromium picolinate, that helps the body's own insulin work more efficiently.

"Hectic schedules and busy lives can make it hard to eat right. Abbott's goal is to help people living with diabetes by offering convenient and healthier options formulated specifically to meet their unique dietary needs," said Michael J. Ferry, general manager of Abbott Nutrition's Healthy Living business. "These innovations are part of our ongoing commitment to people with diabetes and their unique needs."

Glucerna Cereal

The new Glucerna Cereal is formulated specifically for people with diabetes, offering a great new choice at breakfast time. This cereal provides an excellent source of fiber, five grams of whole grains and three grams of protein per serving and is available in three flavors: Crunchy Flakes 'n Strawberries, Crunchy Flakes 'n Raisins and Crunchy Flakes 'n Almonds.

"Eating a healthy breakfast is essential for maintaining blood sugar control, but until now, people with diabetes have had a limited number of tasty and convenient breakfast options that help meet their nutritional needs," said Lorena Drago, MS, RD, CDE, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. "Glucerna Cereal allows people with diabetes to enjoy this traditional breakfast food while helping to reduce their blood sugar response."(1)

Glucerna Shakes, Snack Shakes and Mini-Snack Bars

As another benefit for people with diabetes, the improved Glucerna Shakes were awarded the ChefsBest(TM) Award for Best Taste. The ChefsBest Award for Best Taste is awarded to the brand rated highest overall among leading brands by independent professional chefs. Each shake contains new, unique blends of slowly digested carbohydrates that are clinically shown to help minimize blood sugar spikes. Each shake also includes an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, providing 400 mg per 8-fluid-ounce serving (25 percent of the Daily Value) to help support circulatory and heart health. The 200-calorie shakes are now available in a convenient reclosable plastic bottle in four flavors: Creamy Chocolate Delight, Homemade Vanilla, Strawberries 'n Cream and Butter Pecan.

Glucerna Snack Shakes and Glucerna Mini-Snack Bars are also great for a mid-morning, afternoon or evening snack to fill the gap between meals and were also awarded the ChefsBest Award for Best Taste against all leading competitors. The 140-calorie shakes are available in two flavors: Creamy Chocolate Delight and Homemade Vanilla. Glucerna Mini-Snack Bars contain 70-80 calories and offer a convenient, on-the-go snack option. Mini-Snack Bars are available in two flavors: Chocolate Peanut and Oatmeal Raisin.

The new line of Glucerna products will be widely available by June 2007 in the pharmacy section of retail stores throughout the country. Glucerna products are for use under medical supervision as part of a diabetes management plan.

The Diabetes Control for Life(TM) Program

Along with offering these new products, Abbott continues to sponsor Diabetes Control for Life, a comprehensive, customizable online program for people with diabetes. This free, Web-based program provides materials and tips on nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle, including:

  -- A personal assessment report to determine levels of readiness to change
     eating habits and lifestyle
  -- Customizable meal 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 dietitians
  -- A personal tracker to monitor blood glucose levels and weight loss.

Diabetes Control for Life has helped people with diabetes markedly improve their condition. Based on self-reported responses from an online survey of more than 600 enrollees conducted in December 2006:

  -- 60 percent said their blood glucose levels have improved
  -- 65 percent said they are now checking blood sugar more consistently,
     and 62 percent said they are more physically active
  -- More than three-quarters reported making better food choices
  -- After six months, participants reported losing an average of 7.5
     percent of their body weight and over 13 percent decrease in fasting
     blood glucose.

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/glucerna. For more information about this free, online program, visit http://www.diabetescontrolforlife.com/.

About Diabetes Management

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20.8 million people (7 percent of the U.S. population) have diabetes. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2.

People with type 1 diabetes cannot, or do not produce enough insulin. It is believed that five to 10 percent of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or do not effectively use the insulin that is produced. Approximately 90 to 95 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes have type 2; however, this condition can be managed with proper nutrition, regular exercise, weight loss, frequent blood glucose monitoring and medications as necessary.

About Glucerna

Abbott Nutrition is committed to developing nutrition products that help satisfy the needs of people with diabetes and the healthcare professionals who care for them. The Glucerna product line includes Glucerna Shakes, Glucerna Snack Shakes, Glucerna Snack Bars, Glucerna Meal Bars and Glucerna Cereal 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. For more information, visit http://www.glucerna.com/.

About Abbott Nutrition

Abbott Nutrition develops and markets a wide range of science-based infant formulas, medical nutritionals, nutrition and energy bars, and related products to support the growth, health and wellness of people of all ages. Abbott Nutrition's internationally recognized brands include the Similac(R) brand of infant formulas; the Gain(R) brand of growing-up milks for older babies and toddlers; the PediaSure(R) brand of nutritionals and snacks for children; and the Ensure(R) brand of adult nutritionals.

Additionally, Abbott Nutrition is a leader in medical foods clinically shown to help address the distinct dietary needs of people with serious health conditions or special nutrient requirements, such as the Glucerna brand of nutrition shakes and bars for people with diabetes. Abbott Nutrition also offers specialized nutrition products to help meet the unique needs of competitive athletes.

Abbott Nutrition products are marketed through the Ross Products Division in the United States, and the Abbott Nutrition International Division outside the United States.

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 65,000 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/.

(1) As compared to a leading cereal