Diabetes solutions provider, retail pharmacy partner for diabetes management subscription plan

In conjunction with World Diabetes Day on 14 November, diabetes solutions provider Ascensia Diabetes Care and local retail pharmacy chain Alpro Pharmacy have launched a first-in-kind diabetes management programme in Malaysia.

Conceptualized by a team of local healthcare professionals, the sugO365 programme aims to provide affordable and accessible assistance through digital solutions for patients with diabetes who seek more effective management of their condition.

“Self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) is undeniably an important aspect for those living with diabetes,” said Maximillian Lim, managing director, Ascensia Diabetes Care Malaysia. “As the world’s leading diabetes care solutions provider, we are committed to simplifying the lives of people with diabetes, empowering them to take charge of their health.”

Under any of four sugO365 subscription plans (sugOTrial, sugOVIP, sugOCOMBO, and sugOMAX), patients will receive a wireless-enabled glucometer which can connect to a corresponding smartphone app via Bluetooth^®. The app will collect, store, and analyze the patient’s blood glucose readings in real-time, which will assist them in understanding how their daily activities affect their blood glucose levels and subsequent disease management.

Subscribers will also be entitled to personalized care from Alpro Pharmacy’s certified pharmacists, nutritionists, and dietitians through live chat and face-to-face consultation. Webinars and diabetes health tips will also be accessible through the plan.

According to Lim, a recent survey conducted by Ascensia found that patients living with diabetes are discouraged from performing appropriate SMBG due to financial costs. Over 50% of respondents with diabetes believed that doctors were primarily responsible for diabetes management, rather than patients themselves.

“We believe that the subscription plan will address the issues of affordability and access to timely and accurate information,” said Lim, “We hope to empower people with diabetes to take charge of their condition.”

According to Lee Yin Chen, Alpro Pharmacy’s branding, promotion and trade marketing director, the American Diabetes Association has estimated medical costs of approximately RM71,000 (US$16,750) per year for a person living with diabetes; of that amount, RM41,000 (US$9,601) is incurred by diabetes treatment alone.

“With sugO365, we can help to relieve the [financial] burden on patients facing high diabetes expenses. Most importantly, they will get access to accurate information at their fingertips,” said Lee. “Moving forward, both Ascensia and Alpro will continue to bring about more features to this subscription plan … Our ultimate goal is to encourage Malaysians to take charge of their own lives and encourage their loved ones to do the same.”

SugOVIP, the most comprehensive plan of the four, is priced at RM360 and upwards for the year and is available to all Alpro Pharmacy members. In conjunction with the launch of sugO365, Alpro Pharmacy customers who have purchased a corresponding insurance package during the campaign period will be entitled to a complimentary 1-year sugOVIP subscription.

Further information on the sugO365 programme is available at www.sugo365.com.my or Alpro Pharmacy outlets.