Doctors Believe Insulin Pump Therapy is Preferable to Insulin Injections for Managing Diabetes, Says Survey

According to a recent nationwide diabetes management survey, 82 percent of endocrinologists believe that patients using standard insulin injections do not control glucose levels well enough. The survey, conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs and commissioned by Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), showed that endocrinologists and patients believe insulin pump therapy is a more effective way to control glucose levels and avoid hypoglycemic events. Nearly 90 percent of endocrinologists surveyed agreed with the statement that insulin pump therapy reduces the risk of hypoglycemic events. When asked to choose a therapy for themselves or their family members, two-thirds of endocrinologists said they would choose an insulin pump over insulin injections, citing that insulin pump therapy provides greater flexibility and control of glucose levels. One in 10 adult patients surveyed admitted to calling 911 within the past three months for a serious hypoglycemic event. "Even with the advent of newer, long-acting insulin, hypoglycemia remains a significant barrier to achieving excellent diabetes control,” said Dr. Buckingham, director of Pediatric Endocrinology at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford University. "Insulin pump therapy delivers insulin in patterns similar to how the human body delivers insulin. This decreases the risk of severe hypoglycemic events, and allowing patients the flexibility to lead more active, normal lives.” Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar (glucose), occurs when glucose drops too low to provide enough energy for the body to maintain daily activities. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness and even death in severe cases. Methodology The findings presented in this report are based on telephone interviews among 201 primary care physicians and 200 endocrinologists treating patients with type 1 diabetes. All primary care physicians were treating at least five patients with type 1 diabetes at the time of the survey. Telephone interviews were also conducted with 101 adult type 1 patients currently seeing a primary care physician, 106 adult type 1 patients seeing an endocrinologist and 133 parents of juvenile type 1 patients who are treated by an endocrinologist. The patients used three or more daily insulin injections to manage their diabetes during this survey. Diabetes Statistics According to the American Diabetes Association, almost 21 million Americans (seven percent of the population) have the disease. Diabetes affects children and adults, costing the United States more than $132 billion in direct and indirect costs. About the Diabetes Business at Medtronic The Diabetes business at Medtronic (www.minimed.com) is the world leader in diabetes management. The company’s products include insulin pump therapy, continuous glucose monitoring systems, related disposable products and diabetes management software. About Medtronic Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology, alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. About GfK Roper Public Affairs Roper Public Affairs has been conducting survey research for over 80 years and global research since 1947. As a result of being acquired by GfK last year, Roper Public Affairs is now part of one of the four largest survey research firms in the world with over 130 subsidiaries/affiliates in more than 70 countries on five continents. Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 28, 2006. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.