Diabetes management tends to be a lot more effective with a team approach. No Houston patient should have to cope with this chronic health condition on their own. One of the most pivotal players on your diabetes management team should be a pharmacist you trust for information and advice on self-monitoring equipment and safe medication usage.

Medication Experts Are Vital in Diabetes Care

Pharmacists in Texas – and most states – are required to be specialists in all things related to medication. They all must pass rigorous exams and certifications to gain licensure from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.

Patients managing diabetes often take more than one medication and need to administer self-tests for blood glucose levels. You may also want advice on symptoms to watch out for and what to do if you experience them. In addition to explaining potential drug interactions and how and when to take your diabetes medications, a pharmacist can also provide advice on tools to manage your condition so you can live a normal life.

Personalized Care and Counseling

Each diabetic patient is unique, with different needs and health concerns. Pharmacists provide personalized counseling sessions, helping patients understand their medications, the importance of adherence and potential side effects.

Lifestyle and Diet Guidance

Managing diabetes is not just about medication. Diet and lifestyle play a huge role. Although pharmacists aren’t nutritionists, they can often provide informed advice on topics related to living with diabetes. These factors often come up with medication, like whether you need to eat or drink with medication, what you should be eating prior to taking your medication or when and how to use testing equipment.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential. Many pharmacists are trained to assist with blood glucose testing, helping patients understand their readings and adjust their medications or lifestyles accordingly.

Selecting the right blood sugar monitoring device can be daunting for many patients. Pharmacists, with their extensive knowledge and training, can explain the options and the benefits or disadvantages of each.

They can introduce patients to various types of glucose meters available, explaining the nuances of each option – from traditional fingerstick meters to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

Pharmacists can also demonstrate the correct technique to use these devices, ensuring accurate readings. They can also guide patients on the best times to check blood sugar, how to log results and interpret the data.

By understanding the differences and functionalities of each tool, patients can make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs, ensuring optimal diabetes management. This hands-on assistance from pharmacists not only boosts the patient's confidence in using the devices but also ensures consistent and accurate blood sugar tracking.

Collaborative Care Approach

Pharmacists often collaborate with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals – especially when they’re within the same healthcare network. One of the benefits of using St. Hope Healthcare doctors and our attached pharmacies is the high level of collaboration between our doctors and pharmacists. This team-based approach ensures diabetic patients receive comprehensive care, addressing all facets of their condition.

Diabetes Education Programs

Many pharmacies offer diabetes education resources and expert advice. If you’re a Houston resident living with diabetes, you’re far from alone. Recent estimates suggest 13.5 percent of Houstonians are living with diabetes (which is slightly higher than the national average).

Our pharmacists have extensive experience helping people managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and they have the tools and knowledge to provide sound and reliable advice to help you manage your condition.

Management of Diabetes-Related Complications

Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy or cardiovascular issues. Many patients get to know their pharmacists well, and sometimes even see their pharmacists more often than their specialists or primary care physicians.

For many patients, pharmacists are a first point of contact when new symptoms manifest. Pharmacists guide patients on the early identification of these complications and when to seek further medical intervention.

Include a Pharmacist You Trust in Your Diabetes Management Team

If you’re a Houston patient of St. Hope Healthcare or you just live nearby one of our six pharmacies, don’t hesitate to contact us or visit.

Our pharmacists are committed to being a reliable partner for patients with medicinal needs or questions about things like diabetes medication or testing equipment. Contact us online or visit one of our pharmacies today.