Diabetes

The diabetes patient has long been identified as a coveted higher-trip, higher-
market-basket opportunity 
for pharmacy operators. And now Rite Aid has created a loyalty card 
program specifically for that diabetes patient.


INDIANAPOLIS — Marsh Supermarkets is offering a new program for patients with diabetes, according to the Indianapolis-based chain's website.

Under Marsh's Diabetes Care program, patients who bring a new prescription to a Marsh supermarket pharmacy or transfer an existing one will receive up to a 30-day supply of qualifying generic diabetes medications for free, as well as free universal lancets.

The medications include glipizide, metformin, glimepiride and glyburide. The program is available through the end of May 2012.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer has launched a chainwide effort to position its pharmacy staff as diabetes specialists.

The announcement was made by Effie Steele, the chain's clinical services manager.

PRINCETON, N.J. — Novo Nordisk has donated $50,000 to an organization that raises awareness about diabetes and connects people living with it, the Danish drug maker said.

The company said the donation, to the Diabetes Hands Foundation, was meant to recognize the Drive the Switch program, which it said had motivated more than 10,000 people to pledge to talk to loved ones and their doctors about insulin options.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As part of its broad support for patients with diabetes, and in recognition of American Diabetes Month, CVS Caremark announced on Thursday that it will be hosting live Facebook chats to answer patients' questions about diabetes and chronic condition management.

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Abbott last week officially announced the launch of Glucerna Hunger Smart nutrition shakes, pictured here at a central Pennsylvania Wegmans, that specifically targets patients living with diabetes. It's a testament to the opportunity in serving up products that will appeal to as many as one-third of the population, which happens to be the number of Americans who will be diagnosed with diabetes if current trends continue.

 

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. — A new online healthcare service powered by Healthcare Resources Online and developed for members of the American Diabetes Association has made its debut.

NEW YORK — Rite Aid and LifeScan kicked off the Rite Track Diabetes Tour in New York on Tuesday with a special appearance by celebrity chef Sam Talbot.

The tour, which runs through November — to mark American Diabetes Month — and December will visit more than 30 locations across the Northeast in a specially outfitted RV and offer free diabetes testing, resources and materials.