AUGUST 2000 PRESS RELEASE
E-Health Resources Support Better Diabetes Self-Care
Jacksonville, OR (August 7th, 2000): In 1999, there was an estimated $5.1 billion U.S. diabetes market for self-care products such as insulin, monitoring supplies, and injection systems (Feedback Research Services; "Diabetes Care Markets"). Unfortunately, the current national self-testing average (i.e., the number of times patients test their blood glucose levels each day) should probably be three times higher to improve the chances of avoiding serious medical complications.
In July 2000, informal interviews were conducted by Feedback Research Services to identify e-health resources that can help patients with diabetes. Among the respondents were Lifescan Inc. (Milpitas CA), Protocol Driven Healthcare Inc. (Bernardsville NJ), and St. Vincent’s Hospital (Birmingham AL).
Since 1996, Lifescan’s Web site has focused on a user-friendly online format, with access to expert advice, a patient newsletter, recipes, research resources, self-care tips, and statistical information. Protocol Driven Healthcare provides disease management for nine chronic illnesses through literature sources, nurse practitioners (to answer questions), and a personal profiling feature for data tracking. Educational and relationship-building tools found at the St. Vincent’s Hospital Web site include general information about facility locations and hospital services as well as nurse and nutritional advice for patients with diabetes.
Representatives from all three organizations indicate that e-health activities to date have been successful, and expanded services are planned. From a marketing perspective, these e-health providers know that establishing favorable customer relationships now can be leveraged with value-added offerings in the future.
For patients, the need for greater awareness and better self-management is significant. Statistics indicate rising incidences of diabetes in the United States and worldwide. As a result, there will be more demand for diabetes products and services, but the ultimate goal is to combine patient and provider efforts to maintain good health and to reduce the risk of costly treatment options (such as emergency care or hospitalization).
The Diabetes Care Markets report describes revenues and growth rates from 1993 through 2003 for "self-administered" test and treatment products. Individual product segments and estimated market share standings of major competitors are identified and analyzed in 38 tables. An entire chapter discusses the role of emerging diabetes care options, while another explores the possible market impact of intensive diabetes management techniques. For more information about this report, contact us at 541-899-8088 or info@feed-back.com.
