MILPITAS, Calif., Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Diabetes Companies, LifeScan, Inc. announced today support of the International Diabetes Federation's (IDF) Life for a Child program with a donation of one million OneTouch® Brand test strips to children with diabetes in seven developing countries (Mali, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Guatemala). This donation represents the Johnson & Johnson Family of Diabetes Companies' recognition of World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14. 

"The Life for a Child program currently assists children and youth across the globe thanks to the support of many donors like Johnson & Johnson," said Dr. Graham Ogle, General Manager of Life for a Child. "This donation will enable up to 1300 young people with diabetes in these seven countries to monitor their blood glucose at least twice daily for about a year.  Many of these children have never had access to a meter before – so this will be a tremendous support to them."

"We are committed to helping people with diabetes live a life without limits, and we are honored to support the IDF's Life for a Child program," said Michel Paul, Company Group Chairman for the Johnson & Johnson Family of Diabetes Companies. "With the help of this program, we hope to improve the lives of children around the world who are struggling to manage their diabetes. In honor of World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14, we also hope to inspire others to learn more about the IDF's mission and to provide support for the Life for a Child program."

Despite this donation and many like it, thousands of children are still in desperate need of help.  The IDF estimates that there are approximately 366 million people in the world diagnosed with diabetes, and among them, 490,000 children with Type 1 diabetes under the age of 15. Unfortunately, many of these youth in developing countries need assistance due to lack of access to insulin, monitoring equipment and expert care.   Life for a Child welcomes further support so that the IDF's vision of 'No Child Should Die of Diabetes' can be realized. To take part in this worldwide initiative by making a charitable donation, please visit: http://www.idf.org/lifeforachild/donate.

Established in 2001, the IDF's Life for a Child program is a sustainable and innovative support program in which individuals, families and organizations contribute monetary or in-kind donations to children living with diabetes in developing countries.  The program is currently supporting over 10,500 children in 40 countries. It is managed by IDF in proud collaboration with the Australian Diabetes Council and HOPE worldwide. Find out more about Life for a Child at www.lifeforachild.org.

About the International Diabetes Federation (IDF):
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization of over 200 national diabetes associations in over 160 countries. It represents the interests of the growing number of people with diabetes and those at risk. The Federation has been leading the global diabetes community since 1950. IDF's mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. www.idf.org.

About the Johnson & Johnson Family of Diabetes Companies: 
Five companies comprise the Johnson & Johnson Family of Diabetes Companies with the shared vision of "Creating a world without limits for people with diabetes."  Providing advanced products and services, professional and community education, and advocacy and support to people living with diabetes and their families, these companies include: LifeScan, Inc., (www.OneTouch.com) a world leader in blood glucose monitoring;  Animas Corporation, (www.Animas.com) maker of innovative insulin delivery systems; Calibra Medical, developer of a unique, wearable mealtime only insulin patch; Children with Diabetes, Inc., (www.childrenwithdiabetes.com) a community offering support and education for children, adults and their families living with diabetes; and the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute, LLC, (www.JJDI.com) that empowers healthcare professionals with education and training programs to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes.

SOURCE LifeScan, Inc.