HEALTH

PITTSBURGH — Giant Eagle on Thursday announced it will help families better manage their grocery budgets by locking low prices through the holidays on hundreds of the items customers purchase most. 

PITTSBURGH — GNC last week partnered with Discovery Fit & Health on "Transformation Diaries," a custom Web series that follows four women working to achieve their personal "live well" goals. Fitness expert JJ Virgin is serving as the women’s mentor.

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — A drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes produced significant reduction in blood sugar in African-American patients, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly announced Thursday results of a phase-3 trial of Tradjenta (linagliptin) in which 226 patients with Type 2 diabetes received 5 mg of the drug once per day or placebo.

SKILLMAN, N.J. — Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages on Wednesday unveiled the Band-Aid Brand Magic Vision app featuring Disney's The Muppets. The one-of-a-kind application and platform employs augmented reality technology to provide parents with an ability to entertain their kids during that moment they get hurt. By downloading the app, parents and children can scan any of the Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages strips and boxes featuring Disney's The Muppets and view any of three distinct adventures and performances from the Muppets.

PHILADELPHIA — An interactive user-friendly program that breaks down diabetes management into four goals to help people with Type 2 diabetes better manage their disease has made its debut.

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — Medical supply manufacturer BD has released a syringe with a shorter needle designed to reduce discomfort in patients with diabetes who must inject insulin, the company said Tuesday.

BD announced the introduction of the ultra-fine 6mm needle, saying more than 80% of patients expressed a preference for it in trials, and a recent article published by the American Association of Diabetes Educators recognized the safety and efficacy of shorter needles.

The needle is designed to deliver insulin subcutaneously in adults and children.

COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y. — Cirrus Healthcare Products earlier this month announced the launch of its Hello Kitty-licensed earplugs for swimming and sound protection. The earplugs are individually printed with the cartoon characters encouraging young children to wear ear protection while swimming.

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. — FITT Highway Products on Tuesday announced the initial launch of its F.I.T.T. Energy products — three 2-oz. energy shots — through convenience stores in California and Nevada.