Implementation and Evaluation of a Pharmacist-led Diabetes Care Pathway in Alberta Community Pharmacies

Implementation and Evaluation of a Pharmacist-led Diabetes Care Pathway in Alberta Community Pharmacies.

As of 2024, nine percent of Albertans are living with Type 2 diabetes, which increases their risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. Unfortunately, less than half of patients have controlled Type 2 diabetes. We are well aware of the factors which lead to worsening diabetes, but need to give people more support to help them manage their diabetes. Pharmacists are respected health care professionals who are often easier to see that doctors and can help people with diabetes to stay as healthy as possible.

This research project aims to see whether a pharmacist service can help improve diabetes management in people with type 2 diabetes compared to usual care from their family physician or nurse practitionner. The potential impact of this project is to empower people with type 2 diabetes to understand their condition, it's management, and to achieve target blood sugar levels, which will ultimately reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals aged 18 years or older.
2. Individuals with type 2 diabetes.
3. Individuals with type 2 diabetes not reaching HbA1c target of under 7.0%

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals with type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or other forms of diabetes that are not type 2 diabetes.
2. Pregnant individuals.
3. Individuals at their HbA1c target (HbA1c under 7.0%) or those with a limited life expectancy, frailty, or lack hypoglycemic awareness (i.e., those with an A1c target above 7.0%) .
4. Individuals unable to provide consent or who are unwilling to attend follow-up visits.