Medtronic develops Test B4U Drive program for teens

LOS ANGELES A leader of advanced diabetes management solutions is creating a free program that combines advanced driver skills training with diabetes management education.

Medtronic said its Test B4U Drive program -- in partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes No Limits Foundation -- will teach teens with diabetes that good diabetes management is a key to staying safe behind the wheel. Test B4U Drive will offer teens with diabetes real-world, hands-on training led by professional instructors that helps them identify and react to critical situations behind the wheel. Interactive classroom sessions will teach defensive driving techniques and share such useful tips as checking glucose levels before driving, pulling over to a safe place to check again when driving long distances, taking action when glucose is too low or high, and carrying the right supplies.

“Test B4U Drive was inspired by the most important part of a teen driver’s diabetes management plan – checking his or her glucose level before getting behind the wheel,” said Francine Kaufman, M.D., chief medical officer and VP global medical, clinical and health affairs for the diabetes business at Medtronic. “If a teen’s glucose level is low or high, it must be treated and reach a normal range before driving.”

Test B4U Drive is being offered to teens with diabetes at these locations in 2010:

• July 19-21, The Forum, Los Angeles
• July 26-28, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colo. (Denver area)
• August 2-4, KCI Expo Center, Kansas City, Mo.
• August 9-11, Standard Bank Stadium, Crestwood, Ill. (Chicago area)

For more information, visit Medtronicdiabetes.com/testb4udrive.