How pharmacists help manage diabetes

We no longer have the pharmacists we once did!

The role of pharmacists (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) is constantly evolving. Gone are the days when they counted pills! With Bills 41 and 31, which passed in 2015 and 2020, their expertise is now being put to good use. And that’s a good thing!

Pharmacists now enjoy greater autonomy in managing patient care. They monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or asthma, adjust medication doses, and they can even prescribe treatments for minor health issues without needing the doctor’s approval.

For patients, these changes improve access to personalized services and reduce the strain on the healthcare system. And there's more to come: Bill 67, introduced in June 2024, takes things even further. Pharmacists will soon have the authority to prescribe a wider range of medications and renew prescriptions promptly.

The collective impact of diabetes

Diabetes carries a significant burden, leading to complications that can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels...The list of potential issues is extensive when diabetes is not well managed and it can severely impact the quality of life for those living with the condition.

And the cost? It’s staggering.

Let's talk numbers. Every year, diabetes costs the Quebec healthcare system approximately $1.54 billion, and nearly $30 billion across Canada (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) (article available in French only). In 2020, diabetes medications are projected to account for about a quarter of the increase in public spending on drugs.

But what’s sometimes overlooked is the strain this disease puts on group insurance plans, which must bear a substantial portion of the costs for treatment and complications.

Who's footing the bill? Everyone is, including employers.

Pharmacists on the front lines of diabetes management

Diabetes isn't a fleeting issue. Diabetes Canada estimates that by 2033, nearly 7.4 million people will be affected by the disease. So how can we keep costs from spiralling out of control? We're focusing on effective disease management, and that's where pharmacists come in. Often the first point of contact for vague symptoms, they can help identify early signs of diabetes. If anything seems off, they refer you to the appropriate healthcare professionals. And, as we know, early detection typically leads to fewer complications and more effective treatment.

What happens after the diagnosis? Pharmacists truly shine in their role. They provide personalized support tailored to each individual’s medical history, current treatments, and lifestyle. They help patients manage the disease on a daily basis by advising them on:

• Blood glucose monitoring
• Optimal medication usage
• Lifestyle adjustments
• Preventive measures
• Signs and symptoms to watch out for to avoid complications

Managing illness and reducing costs

When diabetics manage their blood sugar effectively and follow their treatment plans, they reduce the risk of complications significantly. This leads to fewer hospitalizations, emergency visits, and days lost to absence and disability.

For employers, this ultimately translates into better management of insurance costs. Plus, healthier employees contribute to a more productive workforce. It’s a positive cycle that benefits everyone.

Support from your local pharmacy

Pharmacists have invaluable expertise in managing chronic diseases, and their role should be more widely recognized and leveraged. Encourage your employees to reach out to their pharmacists as soon as symptoms appear.

Here are a few straightforward ways to highlight the services available to them:

• Corporate health workshops – Invite pharmacists to facilitate workshops to help your employees better understand diabetes and other chronic diseases, while adopting healthier habits.
• Workplace consultations – Organize on-site sessions with pharmacists for personalized advice on medication management and chronic diseases.
• Educational content – Create and distribute educational content via e-mail or your intranet that highlight the role of pharmacists and provide insights on chronic disease management and symptoms to monitor.

Enhancing your workplace health management strategy

Did you know that at Beneva, a dedicated team of health specialists, including pharmacists, works to help employers to enhance their workplace health management strategy? As an employer, you can benefit from this expertise.

Among the services they can offer you:

• Presentations tailored to your needs – Each year, our pharmacists can provide you with detailed information on drug reimbursement and discuss current pharmacy topics relevant to your organization.
• Health workshops for your employees – Our pharmacists can facilitate workshops on important topics like diabetes, helping your employees gain a better understanding of chronic conditions and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.
• Personalized treatment monitoring – Our team of nurses offers personalized monitoring of medication treatments. For several months after the start of treatment, they conduct regular telephone follow-ups to ensure adherence to therapies, prevent complications, and reduce prolonged absences.

By leveraging our expertise, you can effectively manage your health insurance costs while prioritizing the well-being of your employees—another way Beneva is committed to caring for people.