Wegmans Introduces Home Testing Systems for Diabetics
In time for Diabetes Awareness Month in November, all Wegmans Food Markets now offer the Rochester, N.Y.-based grocer’s first Wegmans brand blood glucose monitoring systems for people with diabetes. Wegmans’ TRUEresult system and TRUE2go, which are small enough to fit a purse, pocket or gym bag, enable those with the condition or who are at risk for it to track their blood glucose levels more easily and at a lower cost than with other comparable systems currently available.
Noted Wegmans pharmacist Brian Pompo, coordinator of wellness and clinical services for pharmacy, “Your daily measures of blood glucose let you know if you have your diabetes under control, and give your health care providers the data they need to make therapy decisions.”
“Glucose self-monitoring, along with carbohydrate counting, helps people with diabetes develop an everyday pattern with the best amounts and timing for food, exercise and insulin,” added Wegmans nutrition and product labeling manager Jane Andrews. “Later on, they can use testing information to make adjustments. For example, they might check blood glucose levels just before going out for a 30-minute run, and results will help them decide how much extra carbohydrate to eat so that blood sugars don’t drop too low. More knowledge means better control … and greater flexibility to enjoy life!”
According to Wegmans, its TRUEresult home testing system is easy to use and gives faster results than most other brands. As the device automatically calibrates itself to each test strip, users don’t have to enter a test strip code, thereby eliminating a common source of error. Users just stick a testing strip into the machine, prick a finger with the lancet to collect a drop of blood, and touch the finger to the testing strip. The strip absorbs the blood and activates the machine. A large-display readout appears in four seconds. The system features four testing reminder alarms, a 500-test memory to see trends over time, and alerts the user to test for ketones if blood glucose levels are high. “These features help patients stay healthier by flagging any problems so they can be addressed in a timely way,” said Pompo.
The TRUEresult and the smaller TRUE2go unit are currently available at all Wegmans pharmacies, as well as in the diabetes supply areas of stores’ health and beauty care departments. Made to the company’s specifications by Nipro Diagnostics, the TRUEresult meter retails for $19.99, while the TRUE2go meter goes for $8.99. Some patients may be eligible to receive free meters under certain health plans, however, as well as reduced-price test strips. According to Dave Perlman, pharmacy category manager, the TRUEresult could save a patient as much as $400 over a year’s time.
At Wegman’s newest store in Maryland, a Diabetes Solution Center in the Health and Beauty Care department offers the new meters, along with other products and supplies for people with the condition. “Between now and early 2011, all of our stores will feature Diabetes Solution Centers,” observed Perlman.
The grocer’s additional resources for diabetic customers include the diabetes section at www.wegmans.com, which offers a guide to appropriate food choices, sections on meal planning, seasonal meal ideas, tips on party and celebration foods, and nutritional information.
Family-owned Wegmans operates 77 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland.