Bayer HealthCare AG has expanded its business activities in the growth markets of Asia by launching the Breeze and Brio blood glucose management systems in China and in South Korea.
Parallel to the product launches, the Bayer AG subgroup is conducting comprehensive information campaigns in both countries to educate people about the value of better diabetes management through rigorous blood glucose monitoring, diet, exercise, and medication.
"There is a great need for information and solutions for better diabetes management in many countries in Asia," said Sandra Peterson, President, Diabetes Care at Bayer HealthCare. "Bayer is in a strong position, being the first in the world to market home blood glucose monitoring systems, as one of the top ten pharmaceutical companies in China, and as a key diabetes company amongst patients and health care providers in Asia. With the Breeze and Brio blood glucose monitoring systems, Bayer HealthCare offers one of the most comprehensive range of products for diabetes patients in these markets."
The International Diabetes Federation expects a significant increase in new cases of the disease in Asia, with estimates predicting that the number of persons with diabetes will more than double by 2025 in the region.
In China, diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases. According to current estimates, approximately 40 million of the country’s 1.3 billion inhabitants suffer from the metabolic disorder. Experts believe that 60-65% of those affected are not yet aware they have the disease. At present, just fewer than four million people are receiving treatment in China. Only two percent of the Chinese patients with diabetes own a blood glucose meter for regular monitoring of their blood glucose level.
This month, in Beijing, China, Bayer HealthCare launched the first of several Bayer Diabetes Houses planned for that country. Bayer HealthCare has partnered with local community hospitals to establish the Diabetes Houses where patients can receive comprehensive diabetes care and disease management information as well access to the Breeze and Brio blood glucose monitoring systems.
The Diabetes Houses will serve as a central point of information where anyone from the local community can learn more about the disease, how to manage it, including adapting one’s lifestyle, and how to avoid the complications associated with diabetes. Beyond Beijing, additional Diabetes Houses are planned for Shanghai and Guangzhou which are all areas of high diabetes incidence.
