ACCU-CHEK COMPASS™ DIABETES CARE SOFTWARE ENABLES PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AND THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO MAKE BETTER DIABETES MANAGEMENT DECISIONS.

New diabetes care software ensures better diabetes management through effective presentation of blood sugar information.

Roche Diagnostics today introduced the Accu-Chek Compass™ Diabetes Care Software, a new software program that enables patients to manage their diabetes more effectively, as well as provides physicians with the tools to monitor their patients more closely and develop appropriate treatment plans. The Accu-Chek Compass software, available to patients and health care providers, collects data directly from Accu-Chek blood glucose meters and displays the information in an effective manner, either electronically or in printed formats.

Accu-Chek Compass software takes the list of blood sugar readings patients used to record in a logbook and organizes them electronically in an easy-to-read fashion. The software can display readings in multiple formats, including pie charts and graphs, which provide users with a clearer understanding of the data.

"My goal as a physician is to help patients understand their condition and encourage them to take a more proactive role in disease management and treatment," said Bret Wittmer, M.D., medical director at Commonwealth Biomedical Research, Madisonville, Kentucky. "The technology behind the Accu-Chek Compass software lets patients identify problem times of the day, further educating them about the impact of fluctuating blood glucose levels and allowing them to make adjustments to their daily routine."

Accu-Chek Compass software, which is Microsoft Windows-based, can download information from the Accu-Chek® Advantage® and Accu-Chek® Complete® blood glucose monitoring systems.

Accu-Chek Compass software supplies several different types of reports, including:
· - Average day and week trend graphs and charts, which outline pre-meal and post-meal readings
· - Target range with six ways to compare
· - Hypoglycemic measurements
· - Electronic data list/logbook
· - One-page summary displaying up to three reports simultaneously

"Roche is dedicated to providing people living with diabetes the tools they need and want to manage their disease," said Lynne Sly, Vice President of Marketing at Roche Diagnostics Corporation. "Accu-Chek Compass software is the latest addition to the Accu-Chek portfolio of quality monitoring systems, which enable physicians and patients to develop a better understanding of their condition for the best possible disease management and treatment options."

Accu-Chek Compass software is available now by calling Roche Diagnostics Customer Service line at 1-800-428-5076.

The Roche Group is a world leader in research-based health care with its principal business activities in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and vitamins. Through the company's Diagnostics Division, innovative products and services are made available to physicians, patients, hospitals, and laboratories worldwide. Roche Diagnostics is a world leader in the field of diabetes monitoring. The diabetes product range from Roche includes blood glucose systems and urine tests for screening and assessment, diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and patient self-management. Based in Indianapolis, Roche Diagnostics Corporation is the North American headquarters for the company's diagnostics business.