Pharmacy U presenter Manjit Hansra: Transforming Diabetes Care Delivery: The role of community pharmacists and Sensing Technology
By the end of the presentation, participants will gain an understanding of how they can use data from sensing technologies to help their patients achieve their diabetes-related goals.
We will discuss how community pharmacists can play a critical role in improving diabetes care delivery and outcomes for patients with diabetes.
It is estimated that over 11 million Canadians are living with pre-diabetes and diabetes, and it is becoming increasingly important to find ways to effectively manage the disease to prevent long-term health complications. We will differentiate between the value and application of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and continuous blood glucose (CBG) results for patients living with diabetes. CGMs provide real-time glucose readings throughout the day and night, while CBGs are typically taken multiple times a day through finger-stick testing. Both forms of glucose monitoring are important; we will emphasize the unique benefits of CGMs and how they can be used to optimize diabetes care.
Another focus of the presentation will be the concept of time in range (TIR) and ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) and their role in optimizing behavioural and therapeutic outcomes. TIR measures the amount of time a person spends with their glucose levels in the target range, while AGP provides an overall picture of a person's glucose levels over a period of time. We will demonstrate how an understanding of TIR and AGP can help pharmacists and diabetes educators to develop better strategies for managing diabetes.
In addition to discussing the role of technology in diabetes care, we will provide practical strategies for building relationships with patients living with diabetes. This is crucial, as building a strong relationship with patients is an important factor in successfully managing the disease. We will offer tips and techniques for creating an open and supportive environment that encourages patients to be active participants in their care.
This will be a valuable learning opportunity for pharmacists and diabetes educators, offering them the latest insights and tools to better manage diabetes and improve patient outcomes. By combining technology and a patient-centred approach, community pharmacists can play a critical role in transforming diabetes care delivery and making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the disease.