AstraZeneca has expanded its online diabetes support programme Fit2Me, adding new cardiovascular resources and launching new Apple and Android mobile apps.

Aiming to target diabetic patients with a risk of, or diagnosed, cardiovascular disease, Fit2Me now includes new resources for them, in addition to its core diet and lifestyle support programme.

First launched in 2014, the free online resource for US consumers has since attracted more than 1.4 million visitors.

As part of its expansion the site will now also offer customised planning based on health needs, food and activity preferences and a new Fit My Fridge feature that helps people make healthy meals using ingredients they already have at home.

AstraZeneca said in a statement that the site's additional cardiovascular components would differentiate it from other support programmes.

Jim McDermott, VP of US medical affairs, diabetes, added: “AstraZeneca recognises that type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are complex, multi-faceted conditions that affect millions of Americans and require individualised management approaches. 

“By expanding Fit2Me's offerings to people living with or at risk for cardiovascular disease, we're able to provide the resources and support needed to help improve the overall health of each patient.”

Around 27 million people in the US have type 2 diabetes and adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than those without the condition. 

The changes mean AZ's site can now offer tailored health plans across five of the most prevalent conditions or diseases in the US, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart attack, high blood pressure and high triglycerides.

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