June 15, 1998

Whether you use our SureStep® Consumer Meter to test your blood glucose, recommend it to your patients, or sell it to your retail customers, please take a few moments to read this important announcement.

LifeScan to Replace SureStep Meters Made Before August 1997

SureStep Meters manufactured before August 1997 will give, on many occasions, an "Er 1" message instead of a test result if the person's blood glucose is very high, approximately 500 mg/dL or greater. We have decided to replace these meters-free of charge. Replacement SureStep Meters have revised software that we believe virtually eliminates the chance of receiving an "Er 1" message with glucose levels in excess of 500mg/dL.

How To Tell When Your SureStep Meter Was Manufactured

SureStep Meters subject to replacement can be identified by their serial number, which is printed vertically on the back of the meter. Meters with serial numbers whose first five characters are L6000 XX XXXXX through L7205 XX XXXXX will be replaced. Meters with serial number whose first five characters are L 7206 or higher, already have the revised software and are not affected.

What To Do If Your Meter Should Be Replaced

If you have an affected meter, or are unsure of your meter's serial number, please call our 24-hour SureStep Customer Care Hotline at 1 800 951-7226 for assistance. When you call, we will schedule delivery of your free replacement meter. When it arrives, you will be asked to return your old SureStep Meter to LifeScan. Once we receive your old meter, we will send you a coupon for a discount on your next purchase of LifeScan Test Strips.

Continue Your Current Testing Schedule

While you wait for your replacement meter to arrive, do not stop testing your blood glucose. You can continue to use your current SureStep Meter as long you and your caregiver know that an "Er 1" message could also mean very high blood glucose. If you get an "Er 1" message, it's important for you to check the blue color dot on the test strip against the color chart on the test strip bottle. If the dot on the strip is as dark or darker than the darkest oval on the bottle's color chart, it is likely that you have very high blood glucose and, as always, should call your health care professional immediately. Very high blood glucose levels, if not treated, can lead to serious health consequences. When you call, we will send you a warning sticker to place on your current SureStep Meter as a reminder that an "Er 1" message could mean very high blood glucose.

As always, it's important that you operate your meter by closely following the instructions in your owner's booklet. In particular, make sure you push the test strip in firmly until it stops. If a test strip is not fully inserted, it is possible that you will get a false low test result. As a reminder of these and other instructions, we will also send you a copy of the SureStep Quick Reference Guide.

Maintaining Your Trust Is Our Top Priority

At LifeScan our mission is to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes. We know that our customers rely on our products to help manage their diabetes. It is a responsibility we take seriously. If you have additional questions about the SureStep Meter Removal and Replacement Program, please contact LifeScan in one of the following ways:

U.S. Customers: If you have additional questions, please contact LifeScan in one of the following ways:

• People with diabetes: call our 24-hour customer service line at 1 800 227-8862, or e-mail us at CustomerService@LifeScan.com.
  
  

• Healthcare Professionals: call our Healthcare Professional Hotline at 1 800 524-7226.
  
  

• Retailers: contact your LifeScan representative.
  
  

Customers outside the U.S. should contact the LifeScan office in their region. Thank you for your continued support of LifeScan.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Wiesner
President

Please note: OneTouch^® and FastTake^™ Brand Consumer Meters, and the SureStep^®Pro Professional Blood Glucose Management System, are NOT affected by this replacement program.

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