Boston Scientific to sponsor world diabetes day campaign

18 May 2008

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) has become an official sponsor of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Day (14 November 2008) campaign, part of the Federation's global fight against diabetes.

The International Diabetes Federation is a worldwide alliance of more than 200 diabetes associations in 160 countries who share a mission to enhance the lives of people with diabetes. IDF promotes appropriate diabetes care, prevention and the pursuit of a cure through activities such as World Diabetes Day.

“We are proud to support the IDF in its efforts to build awareness around this devastating disease that affects millions of people worldwide,” said David McFaul, Boston Scientific Senior Vice President, International. “As a leader in the medical device industry, we seek to improve the quality of patient care and help improve lives through disease prevention and awareness — goals that are closely aligned with the mission of IDF.”

Boston Scientific plans to build awareness of coronary artery disease among people with diabetes and referring physicians, while encouraging interventional cardiologists to screen their patients for diabetes when considering treatment. As part of its IDF sponsorship, Boston Scientific will make a donation to the Sociedad Espanola de Diabetes (Spanish Diabetes Society) in the form of an unrestricted grant to fund continued research on cardiology and diabetes.

“We are very pleased to welcome Boston Scientific as an official IDF sponsor,” said Professor Dr Martin Silink, President of the International Diabetes Federation. “As a respected member of the medical technology community, we welcome Boston Scientific’s expertise, resources and participation in our global diabetes awareness campaigns, including World Diabetes Day, where our goal is to reach one billion people worldwide with care and prevention messages about the causes, symptoms, complications and treatment of diabetes.”

The global threat of diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic, debilitating disease, which poses severe risks and costs for people with diabetes, their families and the healthcare community. The United Nations has recognized diabetes as a global threat — the first time ever for a non-infectious disease.

The IDF estimates that more than 246 million people worldwide have diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 380 million within 20 years. The burden on healthcare systems is substantial, with estimated costs of diabetes-related complications accounting for 5-10% of total global healthcare spending.

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death and disability in diabetic patients, accounting for some 50% of all diabetes fatalities. People with diabetes and coronary artery disease often have poorer outcomes after revascularization procedures (stenting, angioplasty) due to the increased likelihood of blockage due to plaque formation in small, difficult-to-reach vessels.

Further information on World Diabetes Day

Please visit: www.worlddiabetesday.org  and www.idf.org

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