Diabetic products from Hi Tech

The health care products division of the US-based Hi-Tech Pharmacal Company has launched three new products aimed at the diabetic market.

Multi-betic is a multivitamin, mineral and supplement formula, while DiabetiDerm is a "foot rejuvenating cream" and DiabeticTussin is a sore throat spray. All are extensions to Hi Tech Pharmacal's existing line of natural products designed for diabetics, including Diabetic Tussin sugar-free cough syrup and DiabetiSweet, an aspartame free sugar substitute used for baking and cooking.

Gary April, president of the company's health care products division, said: "People with diabetes develop various complications related to their disease, such as cardiovascular, vision and skin problems. They have to pay special attention to their blood glucose levels. Our new products, like others that we develop and market, help people with diabetes live healthier lives."​

He continued: "In addition to all essential vitamins and minerals, Multi-betic contains alpha lipoic acid and lycopene, supplements that will give diabetes sufferers additional antioxidant protection, as well as lutein which provides nourishment to the eye and chromium that helps maintain healthy glucose levels.​

"DiabetiDerm contains an advanced foot care formula, including L-Arginine HCL that will help diabetics increase their blood circulation and deal with severely dry skin. Sugar-free and alcohol-free Diabetic Tussin throat spray provides quick relief of sore throat and mouth pain without posing a risk to blood glucose levels."​

April cited data from the World Health Organisation which estimated that the number of diabetes sufferers worldwide would rise by 122 per cent from 135 million to 300 million during the next 25 years. He said the reasons for this increase - which is of course good news for companies such as Hi Tec, if unwelcomed by the diabetics themselves - were population ageing and growth, obesity, unhealthy diets and a sedentary lifestyle.