LifeScan, the Medical division of Johnson & Johnson and Novo Nordisk, the world leader in diabetes care have launched the 'Diabetes Starter Pack' at the annual conference of the Association of Physicians of India (APICON 2005) in Mumbai.

A novel concept in India, The 'Starter Pack' contains a blood glucose monitoring system 'OneTouch Horizon', a state-of-the-art insulin delivery device ' NovoPen 3' and a host of educational inputs as a comprehensive solution designed to help people better manage their diabetes with reduced fear of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

This Starter Pack for Better control enables the patient who starts insulin for the first time to be able to get a complete package that makes it easy to start off on insulin with the help of an easy to use, device 'NovoPen 3' and support of blood glucose monitoring by 'OneTouch Horizon' and educational materials provided. These all elements will add to the confidence of the patient to initiate insulin without the fear of hyper and hypoglycemia and improve diabetes care, an official release said here.

According to Sanjeev Shishoo, vice president, International Operations, Novo Nordisk, " Early initiation of insulin and regular monitoring is the best practice in diabetes management. Expert opinion and clinical evidence now emphasise early insulin and day-to-day monitoring to add years and improves life of a person with diabetes. Despite these evidences there is a fear and myth attached to the treatment of insulin."

As a part of starter pack both the companies are offering substantial discount. NovoPen 3 along with OneTouch Horizon along with the host of information booklets will only cost Rs 1990 and can be obtained on doctor's recommendation from NovoCare Service centres.