A Pharmacist's Role in Diabetes

Your pharmacist is an excellent source for diabetes information.

Pharmacists are professionals who have a lot of helpful information that they can give to patients. With growing rates of type 2 diabetes, the U.S. is currently experiencing an epidemic in this debilitating disease that can affect the entire body and all of the body's systems. It is estimated that more than 18 million Americans have this disease, and 6 to 8 million have diabetes but do not know it.

A pharmacist does much more than count pills and staple bags of medications closed. Pharmacists have extensive background knowledge in how to treat and manage many diseases, including diabetes. Most pharmacies today have technicians who prepare medications for patients so that pharmacists can be more accessible to patients who have questions. If you pick up your Metformin prescription and you have a question about how it is helping you control your glucose levels, you can ask your pharmacist about your concerns.

Pharmacists and Diabetes Programs

In some areas of the country, pharmacists organize and present information on diabetes. Large membership clubs like Costco and Sam's Club may hold regular diabetes awareness days. At these times, they offer free diabetes testing to their customers. If the pharmacist finds a customer who is diabetic, he or she can provide information about the disease and urge the customer to see their doctor as soon as possible.

Assistance with Testing and Monitoring

Diabetes is a chronic disease that needs to be dealt with on a daily basis. Your pharmacist can not only advise you on how to take your medication, but he or she is also able to provide advice on keeping your blood sugar level where it should be for optimal health. Those who have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes need to learn how to monitor their glucose blood levels and how to properly use their monitor. The pharmacist is also available to help in this area, especially when you purchase your monitor at the store where the pharmacist is employed.

Learning about diabetes testing supplies can be confusing, especially since there are so many different types of monitors, test strips, and other products on the market. Ask your pharmacist to explain the differences in a blood glucose monitor with pre-loaded test strips and one that is not pre-loaded, or any other questions that make it easier for you to control your diabetes. Pharmacists want to help, and they are an excellent resource for diabetes information waiting for your questions.