Partnering with Ascensia Diabetes Care Canada, Max Domi sheds light on diabetes management with the new CONTOUR^® NEXT ONE blood glucose meter and App System

TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2017 /CNW/ - Ascensia Diabetes Care Canada, in partnership with professional hockey player Max Domi, today announced the launch of the Light it Up campaign, designed to raise awareness of the new CONTOUR^® NEXT ONE blood glucose meter and App system and help Canadians better manage their diabetes. For the third consecutive year, Domi is working with Ascensia to share his incredible story, so that it can inspire and educate Canadians about living with diabetes.

"I have been living with diabetes for almost my entire life and thanks to my family, healthcare professionals and the right tools, I have never let diabetes stand in the way of crushing my goals," says Domi. "I want all Canadians - adults and kids – living with diabetes to feel empowered to take control and not let diabetes be a barrier to their success. Partnering with Ascensia has given me the opportunity to share my story and connect with individuals from all walks of life to make a difference."

As part of the Light it Up campaign, Domi made a surprise visit on August 24 to one of Diabetes Canada's D-Camps called Camp Discovery, a center located in London, ON and run by Diabetes Canada that is specifically designed for children living with diabetes, for some interactive activities, fun diabetes education and autograph signing. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of 12, Domi is active on and off the ice and is a passionate leader in the diabetes community, motivating Canadians with diabetes to achieve their dreams and live remarkable lives.

"We couldn't be happier to be part of the Light it Up campaign with Max," says Rick Blickstead, President and CEO, Diabetes Canada. "Having Max visit Camp Discovery was an amazing event for the young people and an unforgettable experience. We hope that having Max share his story will inspire them to feel confident about managing their diabetes and reaching for the stars."

There are more than eleven million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes and every three minutes another Canadian is diagnosed.¹  Chances are, diabetes affects you or someone close to you.

The launch of the CONTOUR^® NEXT ONE meter and CONTOUR^® Diabetes App, marks a new approach to diabetes management. The system features a wireless-enabled smart meter that links to a mobile device via Bluetooth^®. The intuitive CONTOUR^® Diabetes App collects, stores and analyzes patient blood sugar levels received from the meter. It also features smartLIGHT technology using coloured lights to quickly indicate if a reading is above, below or within target range to help individuals better manage their condition.

"When we designed the new CONTOUR^® NEXT ONE meter and app with smartLIGHT technology, we were inspired by Max and the many other Canadians living with diabetes," says Russ Newsome, Region Head of North America, Ascensia Diabetes Care. "He is a true champion for the cause and we are thrilled to continue our partnership and show how these intuitive tools can help all Canadians with diabetes get more insightful blood glucose results, without comprising ease of use and accuracy."

The CONTOUR® NEXT ONE meter results go beyond the minimum industry accuracy standards² and is the most accurate system developed by Ascensia Diabetes Care. The captured blood glucose results can be easily reviewed and shared effortlessly with healthcare professionals online; helping patients make more informed decisions and create better management plans.

To supplement the Light it Up campaign, Ascensia will also be working with regional spokespeople living with diabetes to share their story and educate Canadians across the country. To watch the Light it Up campaign video for the CONTOUR® NEXT ONE meter, please visit youtube.com/watch?v=oIdzVU-9ZoQ.

________________________

¹ http://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/types-of-diabetes

² Current regulations based on Health Canada recognized ISO 15197:2013 standard requires results within ±15% range, specifically: ≥95% of results must fall within ±0.83 mmol/L for blood glucose concentrations <5.55 mmol/L and within ±15% for blood glucose concentrations ≥5.55 mmol/L.

About Ascensia Diabetes Care

Ascensia Diabetes Care is a global specialist diabetes care company, dedicated to helping people living with diabetes. Our mission is to empower people living with diabetes through innovative solutions that simplify and improve their lives. We use our innovation and specialist expertise in diabetes to develop high quality solutions and tools that make a positive, daily difference for people with diabetes.

Home to the world renowned CONTOUR™ portfolio of blood glucose monitoring systems, our products combine advanced technology with user-friendly functionality that help people with diabetes to manage their condition. We are committed to continued research, innovation and development of new products and solutions. As a trusted partner in the diabetes community, we collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and other partners to ensure our products meet the highest standards of accuracy, precision and reliability, and that we conduct our business compliantly and with integrity.

Ascensia Diabetes Care was established in 2016 through the sale of Bayer Diabetes Care to Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd. Ascensia Diabetes Care products are sold in more than 125 countries. Ascensia Diabetes Care has around 1,700 employees and operations in 33 countries.

For further information, please visit the Ascensia Diabetes Care website at: www.contournextone.ca