2008-10-02 01:23:01 -

www.principal.com - The Principal Financial Group Rhonda Clark-Leyda, 515-247-6634 clark-leyda.Rhonda@principal.com One of the most common complications of diabetes is retinopathy, or progressive damage to the eye's retina. This condition can lead to severe vision loss, or even blindness, if undetected. To help members who are currently diagnosed with diabetes protect their vision, the Principal Financial Group(R) is offering a new program that offers a $50 voucher good towards a second eye exam each year to check for potential problems.

"Diabetes accounts for about 24,000 new cases of vision loss each year, many of which may be prevented by such measures as having more frequent eye exams," said Theresa McConeghey, assistant vice president of Specialty Benefit products for the Principal

Financial Group. "By encouraging our vision plan members to take this additional step, we hope to help them prevent further concerns."

The Principal offers several other programs that contribute to the overall health of its members, including dental programs that offer extra benefits to members who are undergoing cancer treatments and additional periodontal services for members with heart disease, diabetes or pregnant.

For more information about insurance products and services offered by the Principal Financial Group, contact a financial representative or visit www.principal.com.

About the Principal Financial Group

The Principal Financial Group(R) (The Principal(R))(1) is a leader in offering businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and investment services, life and health insurance, and banking through its diverse family of financial services companies. A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $308.0 billion in assets under management(2) and serves some 19.0 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit www.principal.com.

(a)Insurance products and services issued by Principal Life Insurance Company.

(1) "The Principal Financial Group" and "The Principal" are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Principal Financial Group.

(2) As of June 30, 2008

New program extends additional eye exams to ward off risk