Diabetes takes some getting used to, but your pharmacist can help you make the transition
By Sandra Aylward, Pharmacist
In a country that proudly lays claim to the discovery of insulin and continues to lead the way in research, diabetes is becoming an increasingly prominent and menacing feature on the healthcare landscape. Depending on which predictions you read, the number of people with this disease is expected to double within three to five years. The impact of this on individuals, families and our communities is huge, and was described eloquently by people who took some time recently to tell a group of pharmacists about their experiences.
“As the days rolled into weeks and the weeks rolled into months, we realized that diabetes management was becoming second nature to us, at least most of the time. We now think of food in terms of carbohydrates. We think of insulin injections just as naturally as we think of teeth brushing after mealtimes. We carry juice boxes and snacks as readily as we carry our wallets and keys.”
This is how one mother helped us to understand that diabetes presents a challenge that is mental, social and psychological as well as physical. Another parent told us that having a child diagnosed with diabetes is “devastating.” Said another man: “You have to be mindful of so many things — monitoring, seeing the eye doctor, foot doctor, watching your over-the-counter medications.” And another parent added: “It’s a constant in your life — a cycle of ups and downs.”
They told of friends and family who are unsure of appropriate foods to serve people with diabetes. Some find it easier to “just avoid social gatherings,” although another noted that “when you have diabetes in control, you can do anything.”
The idea of having control over their disease (instead of their disease having control over them) was an important concept that came up again and again in the responses, with people expressing the wish to live “as close to normal a life as possible.”
Most, thankfully, are getting information and support along with their medications from their pharmacists. When asked how pharmacists could help with management of diabetes, people mentioned a few major areas. As well as help with medications, information regarding diet is a big concern. “I’ve never paid so much attention to food labels in my life,” said one person. Exercise tips are also welcome, as well as information about prevention of complications, such as kidney disease (nephropathy), eye problems (retinopathy) and nerve damage (neuropathy), leading to loss of limbs.
And don’t underestimate the value of empathy and support. As one young man told us: “Sometimes it’s nice just to have someone ask how you’re doing.” One pharmacist told me recently that when he began systematically asking his patients with diabetes that simple question — “How are you doing?” — during their visits to get medication or supplies, he uncovered an issue or a problem he could help with about 50 per cent of the time.
Diabetes educators are health professionals who spend their time helping people manage diabetes, mostly in clinics based in hospitals across the country. Some are nurses, others are dieticians and a few are pharmacists. One diabetes educator stressed in a recent education session for pharmacists that “the primary responsibility for management of a person’s diabetes lies with that individual person.”
So whether you’ve been newly diagnosed with diabetes, or have become your own “diabetes specialist,” don’t forget to consult your pharmacist. He or she can be one of the most valuable members of your diabetes management team.
Ask your pharmacist about:
• New developments in diabetes management
• How to choose non-prescription (“over-the-counter”) medications
• How to choose a blood glucose meter
• How to test blood sugar and how to use the results
• Information on diet and exercise
• Managing insulin and oral medication
Sandra Aylward (B.Sc. Pharm.) is Division Vice-President, Pharmacy Services for Lawtons Drug Stores Limited, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
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