J&J slashes prices of glucose monitor

Self testing diabetes monitor will now become affordable to the masses with Johnson & Johnson slashing prices of the blood glucose monitor by almost 65 per cent.

J&J recently launched 'One Touch Horizon' at Rs 1,500 as compared to market rate of about Rs 4,000-4,500.

"This is going to make self-testing more popular in India. I expect at least 25 per cent more patients will be using it," Dr Subhankar Choudhury, renowned endocrinologist in the country, said.

At present, only 10 per cent of urban population, where the occurrence of diabetes is higher in India, practice self testing. For the entire population, the usage is even less than 1 per cent, Choudhury added.

There are three-four brands available in the country for glucometer but usage remained restricted due to high prices. With the new variant from J&J, penetration is certainly going to get a leg up. According to a World Health Organisation estimate, number of diabetes patient would touch 80 million in 2030.

Cities are found to be more affected with Hyderabad topping with 16 per cent followed by Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

Occurrence of Type-II diabetes in urban Indian averaged at 12.1 per cent in 2003.

Lifestyle factor is said to be behind the endemic nature of the disease. Indians are also genetically pre-disposed to diabetes.