Sopranos Star Aida Turturro Speaks out to Encourage Fellow Diabetes Patients to Take Control

Sopranos Star Aida Turturro Speaks out to Encourage Fellow Diabetes Patients to Take Control

Actress with Type 2 Diabetes Shares Personal Struggle With Condition and Advice for Patients Seeking Control of their Diabetes

NEW YORK, May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Emmy-nominated actress Aida Turturro, also known as Janice Soprano on the award-winning HBO series, "The Sopranos," is teaming up with sanofi-aventis, a world leader in diabetes care, to speak out and raise awareness about the importance of controlling diabetes. Ms. Turturro, who has lived with type 2 diabetes for the past six years, works with her doctor to manage her condition, and is encouraging other people living with the disease to do the same.

In the coming months, Ms. Turturro will be traveling the country to share her personal story and discuss the steps she has taken to get her diabetes in control. Ms. Turturro will conduct speaking engagements at hospitals and with diabetes support groups. These events are designed to encourage diabetes patients to speak with their doctor about the importance of testing their A1C levels regularly to make sure their blood sugar levels are under control. A1C (also known as glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c) testing measures average blood sugar levels over a period of two to three months.

"I am participating in this campaign to share my story and encourage others with diabetes to check their blood sugar regularly and make sure their A1C level is under control. The best way to accomplish this is to talk with your doctor and come up with a comprehensive plan and set goals to help manage your diabetes," stated Ms. Turturro. "For me, my doctor recommended diet and exercise in combination with oral medications at first, but I still wasn't getting my blood sugar under control. Then, about three years ago, we added Lantus (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), a once-daily, long-acting insulin to my treatment plan. Along with diet, exercise and the other diabetes medications I take, it has helped me to achieve good glucose control."

The CDC estimates that more than 20 million Americans have diabetes, with an estimated 6 million or more unaware they have the disease. Prior to taking control of her diabetes, Ms. Turturro was one of approximately half of diabetes patients in the United States whose blood sugar levels were not in good control. Diabetes treatment is based on balancing insulin levels with blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), in general, diabetes patients should strive to achieve an A1C score that is less than 7 percent.

About Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic, widespread condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin -- the hormone needed to convert glucose (sugar) into energy. More than 230 million people worldwide are living with the disease. This number is expected to rise to a staggering 350 million within 20 years. It is estimated more than 20 million Americans have diabetes, including an estimated 6.2 million who remain undiagnosed.

At the same time, approximately half of those diagnosed are not achieving the blood sugar goal of A1C <7% recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The A1C test measures average blood sugar levels over a two- to three-month period.

Important Safety Information for Lantus(R)

Prescription Lantus(R) is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes who require long-acting insulin for the control of high blood sugar.

DO NOT DILUTE OR MIX LANTUS(R) WITH ANY OTHER INSULIN OR SOLUTION. It will not work as intended, and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Do not change your insulin without talking with your doctor. The syringe must not contain any other medication or residue. You should not use Lantus(R) if you are allergic to insulin. Lantus(R) is a long-acting insulin you inject just once a day, at the same time each day. You must test your blood sugar levels while using an insulin such as Lantus.(R)

The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus,(R) is hypoglycemia, which may be serious. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening. Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works.

For full prescribing information for Lantus, visit www.lantus.com.

About sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine and vaccines, Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE:SNY).

US Contacts:
Terri Pedone Julissa Viana
terri.pedone@sanofi-aventis.comjulissa.viana@sanofi-aventis.com
908-981-6562 908-981-6575

US.GLA.07.04.086

Source: sanofi-aventis

CONTACT: Terri Pedone, +1-908-981-6562, or terri.pedone@sanofi-
aventis.com, or Julissa Viana, +1-908-981-6575, or julissa.viana@sanofi-
aventis.com

Web site:

http://www.sanofi-aventis.us/
http://www.lantus.com/

Company News On-Call:

http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/232375.html

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