Superstar Patti LaBelle Encourages Americans to Manage Diabetes 365 Days a Year - LaBelle Teams Up With Makers of Glucerna(R) to Host First-Ever Diabetes Freedom Day and Honor National Contest Winners - PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary entertainer Patti LaBelle today teamed up with the makers of Glucerna Bars and Shakes at the first-ever Diabetes Freedom Day in Philadelphia. The event encouraged Americans with diabetes and those who care for them to pledge their commitment to managing the condition year-round, so that they can experience "diabetes freedom" and live life to its fullest. LaBelle, who has type 2 diabetes herself and is the campaign spokesperson, also honored five national contest winners who exemplify "diabetes freedom" in their lives. Philadelphia was selected as the site of the event not only because of its historical tie to independence, but also because of the strong commitment to diabetes awareness and education as demonstrated by the city's leadership and residents. Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street officially proclaimed Oct. 28 as Diabetes Freedom Day. In addition to LaBelle, other speakers included a representative of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Diabetes Association; Dr. Barry Goldstein, director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital; and Anna Buckingham, product manager of diabetes consumer marketing at the Ross Products Division of Abbott, makers of Glucerna Bars and Shakes. Attendees included city officials, health care professionals, diabetes education advocates, and individuals with diabetes. Participants signed a constitution-like scroll to symbolize their Diabetes Freedom Pledge to commit to managing diabetes or helping others successfully manage their condition 365 days a year by working with health care professionals to develop an individualized diabetes management plan. Participants were given an informational package that included a guide to eating well with diabetes; a quarterly newsletter with the latest health, nutrition and fitness information; a pedometer; and diabetes support resources. What is Diabetes Freedom? "For me, diabetes freedom is all about attitude," LaBelle said. "My positive, take-charge approach has allowed me to successfully manage my diabetes. That's why I've teamed up with Glucerna on this great initiative. I urge everyone to make a commitment to manage diabetes daily and take the Diabetes Freedom Pledge. It's the first step toward leading a healthier life." The contest winners -- Denise Armstrong (Mt. Carmel, Ill.), Timothy Anderson (Columbus, Ohio), John Hooks (Plano, Texas), George Balen (Simi Valley, Calif.), and Madeline Jacobs (Covington, Ga.) -- were honored at the event for their commitment to successfully managing diabetes. The winners were selected based on their inspirational essays in Glucerna's national "What Does Diabetes Freedom Mean to You?" contest. The winners were chosen from nearly a thousand entrants to help inspire millions living with the condition to take the Diabetes Freedom Pledge and commit to managing diabetes 365 days a year. "Diabetes freedom can mean different things to different people, but we think it means the freedom to live life to its fullest because of proper diabetes management," said Gary E. McCullough, senior vice president, Ross Products Division of Abbott, makers of Glucerna Bars and Shakes. "By sharing our contest winners' powerful stories, we hope to inspire the 18 million Americans with diabetes and the 41 million people at risk for the condition to work with health care professionals to develop a diabetes action plan and actively manage their diabetes every day." Taking the Pledge and Staying Committed Individuals affected by diabetes can take the Diabetes Freedom Pledge online at http://www.diabetesfreedom.com/ , or by calling 1-800-986-8935 to take the pledge by phone. Once individuals with diabetes take the pledge, there are a few important tips to help them stay committed 365 days a year: -- Work with health care professionals to develop a diabetes management plan. -- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan. It's the cornerstone to controlling diabetes and also can help lower other risks associated with diabetes, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and heart disease. -- Visit http://www.diabetesfreedom.com/ or http://www.glucerna.com/ for valuable diabetes management tools to help you stay on course with your diabetes action plan. -- Encourage others to take the Diabetes Freedom Pledge. Glucerna Bars and Shakes Glucerna Bars and Shakes are offered in a wide variety of flavors and contain carbohydrates that are slowly digested to help minimize peaks in blood sugar levels. Glucerna(R) Snack Bars, available in crispy or chewy varieties, are great for a mid-morning, afternoon or evening snack to fill the gap between meals as part of an overall meal plan. Glucerna(R) Meal Bars are designed as meal replacements to help manage blood sugar if you skip or are unable to prepare a meal. Glucerna(R) Shakes can be used as a snack, a supplement or an occasional meal replacement in conjunction with a prescribed diet. Glucerna(R) Weight Loss Shakes provide well-balanced nutrition as part of a reduced-calorie meal plan to help manage weight and blood sugar. Glucerna products can be purchased nationwide at pharmacies, grocery stores and major discount stores, and at http://www.glucerna.com/ . Use Glucerna products under medical supervision in the dietary management of diabetes. For more information about the contest winners and Diabetes Freedom Day, or to take the Diabetes Freedom Pledge, visit http://www.diabetesfreedom.com/ , or call 1-800-986-8935. For more information on the successful management of diabetes, including customized meal plans, blood sugar monitoring tips, suggestions for healthy snack and meal choices, and lifestyle changes necessary to lose weight, visit http://www.glucerna.com/ . Abbott's Ross Products Division For years, Ross Products Division has been committed to helping people of all ages meet their nutritional needs. Abbott pioneered the market for adult nutritionals more than three decades ago and today the healthy living family of nutrition brands includes Ensure(R), Glucerna(R) and ZonePerfect(R). For more information about Abbott's Ross Products Division, visit http://www.ross.com/ . 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 more than 55,000 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/ . DATASOURCE: Abbott Laboratories CONTACT: Media, Carolyn Valek of Abbott, +1-614-624-7404; Hilleary Kehrli of Burson-Marsteller, +1-212-614-4219 Web site: http://www.abbott.com/ http://www.ross.com/ http://www.glucerna.com/ http://www.diabetesfreedom.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/110328.html

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