Cintas launches blood sugar control product for first-aid cabinets

Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS), a leader in first-aid and safety products, today announced the availability of GlucoBurst, a blood sugar control product for its first-aid cabinets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes results in 15 million missed work days and 120 million work days with reduced performance each year. Since 2007, the number of U.S. adults affected by diabetes has risen by nearly 3 million.

“With GlucoBurst on-hand, diabetic employees can rest assured that they are safe at work and can remain productive.”

"As diabetes rates continue to rise in the U.S., the disease remains a prevalent problem among our nation's workers," said Nancy Petersen, Senior Marketing Manager, Cintas. "Businesses that take steps to address diabetes have the potential to improve productivity, lower health costs and maintain employee health."

When blood sugar levels become too low, in a condition known as hypoglycemia, workers can experience dizziness, shakiness and even loss of consciousness if left untreated. A 2011 survey published in the Journal of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research found that more than 20 percent of type 1 and type 2 diabetics had arrived late to work or missed work because of non-severe hypoglycemic episodes (NSHEs). Nearly the same amount had left work early to manage NSHEs.

GlucoBurst provides employees with a fast-acting glucose gel packet to help raise blood sugar levels. With premeasured packets containing the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommended 15 grams of glucose, first responders can quickly and easily respond if a coworker has a diabetic reaction. After ingesting the packet, individuals check their blood sugar after 15 minutes and can ingest another if blood sugar is still too low. It is an ideal solution for workers who might not know how to react in a diabetic emergency.

"Since diabetics must manage blood sugar levels at all times, it is important for employers to be prepared for a diabetic reaction," added Petersen. "With GlucoBurst on-hand, diabetic employees can rest assured that they are safe at work and can remain productive."

Customized first-aid cabinets from Cintas can be filled with a variety of solutions including non-drowsy pain and allergy relief, bandages and burn and bleed control products. Supplies are regularly maintained by Cintas service professionals.