Taking Control of Living with Diabetes
by Beth Kaufman, Pharmacist, Certified Diabetes Educator, Certified Geriatric Pharmacist
Imagine improving your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure just by having regular contact and conversation with your health care team!
Hello there! My name is Beth, and I am one of the clinical pharmacists at Prime Care Pharmacy. I am also a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), which means that I have completed some extra training to learn all the nitty-gritty details about the current Diabetes Canada guidelines, and how to teach people with diabetes. My goal is to help you learn about this condition and how to set your own goals and meet them!
November 14th was World Diabetes Day and 2021 marks an incredible 100 years since the first successful injection of insulin. World Diabetes Day is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign and this year’s theme is Access to Diabetes Care.
In Canada, we’re fortunate to have a universal health care system but access to care continues to be a challenge for many families. People with diabetes deserve equal and affordable access to: medications, devices, supplies, education, and support. All Canadians should have equitable services, regardless of where they live in Canada.1,2
In Guelph, if your doctor is part of the Family Health Team, you have access to Diabetes Care Guelph. You can obtain a referral from your primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner), or you can self-refer.3 You also have access to a dietician in your primary care provider’s office, who is an excellent resource as you navigate your treatment goals.
Studies show that regular follow up with a diabetes care team (including a Certified Diabetes Educator) can lead to better control of your blood sugar, and improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol. 4 Imagine, you are healthier just by having regular contact and conversation with your health care team!
If you don’t have access to either of the above options for care, a pharmacist can help by:
· Reviewing Medications
Sit down with a pharmacist to review all prescribed medications, supplements, and insulins you are taking. We will check to make sure there are not drug or supplement interactions and help to make sure your medication doses are optimized to give you the most benefit. We’ll also help you manage any side effects.
· Glucometer Teaching
A pharmacist or pharmacy technician can show you how to use a new glucometer and give tips for making the process as easy and painless as possible. A pharmacist will teach you to understand the reading and help you determine a schedule for testing that is appropriate for you based on your medications.
· Regular Follow-up
A pharmacist is happy to check in as often as needed to support you and your health. We’re available to review your glucometer readings and help make decisions about medication doses based on these readings. A pharmacist is able to communicate with your primary care provider about any recommendations or the need for referral.
If you have diabetes and have questions about your health, medications, or glucometer or if you’d like to book an appointment with our Certified Diabetes Educator, give us a call!
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