Impact of Pharmacist Intervention on Diabetes Patients in an Ambulatory Setting

Thirty percent of those > 40 years of age have impaired sensation in their feet; 60% of all nontraumatic amputations are attributed to diabetes.1 Diabetes is also the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 44% of all new cases in 2002.1 To help prevent long-term complications and deaths related to diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) publishes an annual position statement titled Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes to provide up-to-date guidelines for the management of diabetes.2 The care of diabetes patients is multifaceted and often requires special attention to achieve optimum results. Pharmacist visits included 30-60 minutes of education, medication counseling, monitoring, and management based on the ADA guidelines for diabetes patients.8 At these visits, assessments of blood pressure, weight, AlC, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, lipids, microalbumin, foot care, eye care, and diet and exercise adherence and review of home glucose readings and any changes in health status or medications that might affect blood glucose were performed under protocol by the pharmacist.