Milpitas, Calif., October 12, 2004 - With the goal of inspiring the 18.2 million Americans with diabetes to better manage their disease, blues legend B.B. King is helping to launch a nationwide lyric writing contest. The "Give the King Something to Sing Contest," sponsored by LifeScan, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company and makers of OneTouch® blood glucose monitoring products, offers the public an opportunity to compose song lyrics to encourage successful diabetes management.

The contest, which officially launches November 1 (the beginning of National Diabetes Awareness Month) and ends December 31, 2004, invites anyone whose life has been affected by diabetes -- patient, caregiver or loved one -- to compose song lyrics that inspire, motivate and demonstrate the importance of diabetes management. In 50 words or less, contest entrants are asked to submit original Blues style song lyrics, containing the word "touch," to illustrate how diabetes has "touched" the entrant's life, or that of a loved one. The winning entry will be judged among 50 chosen at random.

One grand-prize winner will receive a two-day trip for two to Las Vegas where they will attend a session to hear King record the winning lyrics as a song. The first 5,000 entrants will receive a B.B. King CD.

King, a nine-time Grammy Award-winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member was diagnosed with diabetes over 12 years ago, and remains one of the most influential and busiest blues guitarists in the world today. Through his music, King has inspired musicians of all ages. He has also recently been reaching a whole new audience through his dedication to diabetes management, which allows him to have an active healthy lifestyle with the disease.

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in this country, and more than 200,000 Americans with the disease are expected to die from its complications each year. If diabetes is not controlled, it can ultimately lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. The good news is that diabetes can be controlled -- and a first step in taking control is to maintain a positive outlook.

"Sponsoring this contest is an example of our dedication to create awareness about the importance of diabetes self management," said John Bradford, Senior Marketing Manager, OneTouch® Systems. "We are very honored to partner with B.B. King to encourage people to share their motivational messages through music, which will hopefully educate and inspire others with diabetes, or those who care for them, to take control of diabetes and not let the disease stand in the way of living life to the fullest."

For complete information about the contest rules or to submit lyrics, visit www.LifeScan.com and click on the "Give The King Something To Sing Contest" link.

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