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Contact: Alison Kramer, 919-459-8157, akramer@919marketing.com

Kerr Drug Leads N.C. in the Fight Against Diabetes

The state's leading pharmacy chain takes fighting diabetes to the next level.

Raleigh, N.C. - Kerr Drug is taking new measures to address the growing number of diabetes cases in the state by launching Fight Diabetes N.C. www.fightdiabetesnc.com, a new diabetes website aimed at North Carolina residents. One of the site's notable features is the state's first and only free online diabetes forum that gives the public a venue to communicate their problems, seek assistance, and help others. Currently, diabetes ranks fifth in the state for the leading cause of mortality.

"Nationally, North Carolina is a top priority in the fight against diabetes," says Ron DeVizia, PharmD, Manager of Diabetes Services at Kerr Drug and Clinical Assistant Professor at UNC's School of Pharmacy. "This disease is reaching epidemic levels and more information about diabetes needs to be available so the community can become better educated about this serious disease."

Ranking fifth among states with the highest diabetes rates, North Carolina is faring among the worst in the battle to beat this disease. The prevalence of diabetes in North Carolina is higher than the national median, with incidences having grown from 4.7% to 8.3% between 1994 and 2004.

The web site launch is part of Kerr's ongoing campaign centered on chronic disease awareness and prevention called, Don't Gamble with Your Health. Kerr Drug designed the web site to be a veritable one-stop-shop for all needs and concerns anyone may have regarding diabetes. It offers useful information on products, clinical information, relevant local news and events, and even information for employers.

What this site offers is a sense of community and purpose that is directed specifically to North Carolina. One of the most effective tools in creating this atmosphere is its free diabetes forum. Divided into an open discussion and expert-moderated forum, users can seek advice from an expert in diabetes or open discussion to anyone who wants to contribute. Through this means, Kerr Drug hopes to build a local network of community support.

"Prevention is only half the battle in the fight against diabetes," says DeVizia, who was a recipient of the American Pharmacists Association Foundation's 2006 Incentive Grants for diabetes. "This website will help patients with diabetes receive additional education and information on important topics about the disease."

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