Etoy/ Boston – (April 7, 2014) – Sunstar Inc., a Switzerland-based, leading company in oral health care and one of the first businesses to emphasize an integrated approach to the relationship between oral health and systemic disease, and Joslin Diabetes Center, the world's largest diabetes research and clinical care organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of diabetes, have renewed their commitment to the Joslin Sunstar Diabetes Education Initiative (JSDEI).

JSDEI began in 2008 with the goal of raising awareness about the association between diabetes and oral health. Aimed at professionals from the medical and dental community as well as patients and the general public, JSDEI plans two symposia in Frankfurt and Beijing in the fall of 2014, and will hold three additional symposia in 2015 elsewhere in Europe and Asia. Since 2008, several high-level scientific JSDEI seminars have been held internationally, including in Japan, the United States and Europe. The seminars have attracted key opinion leaders in the fields of periodontology, dentistry and dental hygiene, medicine and internal medicine, diabetology, endocrinology and nutrition.

Recognizing that early and proper treatment of periodontal disease can have a profound effect on the control of diabetes and its complications, Sunstar and Joslin have engaged in education and research to improve knowledge and practices. 

“Patients benefit greatly from this innovative, interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of diabetes,” noted Judith Eyres Goodwin, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Joslin Diabetes Center. “Joslin is proud of the work we have done together with our strategic partner, Sunstar, raising the knowledge level of dental and medical professionals about the benefit of a holistic approach to diabetes care for their mutual patients, and the emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.”

Mr. Masakazu Nakamura, Member of the Board, Sunstar SA, commented, “Sunstar is pleased to continue our pioneering work with Joslin as our global strategic partner on this vital program, educating clinicians and patients about the strong link between oral health and diabetes. We look forward to this phase of our relationship, and to continuing to make a real difference in people’s lives through expanding our collaborative activities to new areas in Europe and Asia.”

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