Pharmacists: your partners in diabetes care

Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body processes sugar, leading to high blood glucose levels. If not managed, high blood sugar can harm vital organs and result in serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, and vision impairment.

Support and Education
At We Care, our dedicated pharmacists collaborate with patients to help them manage diabetes effectively and minimize the risk of hospitalization. We emphasize continuous education, empowering patients with knowledge about their condition. Our team includes Certified Diabetes Educators who specialize in diabetes management.

Patients receive free blood glucose meters and thorough training on how to monitor their levels. We also offer detailed guidance for those prescribed insulin, including how to inject and follow dosing schedules.

Home Monitoring Assistance
For those struggling with self-care, we have a Home Monitoring Program. Our Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) can visit patients at home to assist with medication administration, blood sugar testing, and insulin injections. They also track other health indicators like blood pressure and weight.

Data-Driven Management
We utilize advanced software to upload glucose readings from meters directly to a computer, allowing us to identify patterns in blood sugar levels. This data enables our pharmacists to provide actionable insights and share progress reports with healthcare providers.

Screening Clinics
To catch diabetes early, we conduct screening clinics that test blood sugar levels in individuals who may be unaware of their condition. If necessary, we refer patients to the doctors for further assessment. Our clinics also provide nutritional guidance and foot examinations for existing diabetes patients seeking to enhance their health management.

Diabetes Symtoms

Diabetes Control & Prevention Tips

FAQ

How can I manage my diabetes effectively?

Managing diabetes is a unique journey, and you're not alone. Each person’s experience is different, so effective management means finding what works best for you. This often includes balanced eating, regular activity, blood sugar checks, and prescribed medications. Your healthcare team, especially your pharmacist, can help tailor a plan that fits your needs.

Learning to manage diabetes takes time, and involving loved ones can make a big difference. Together with your pharmacist and healthcare team, you can build strategies to enhance your quality of life and prevent complications.

Diabetes management is ongoing, impacting many parts of life. If it feels overwhelming, remember support is available. Reach out to healthcare professionals, loved ones, or support groups for guidance, encouragement, and advice.

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. It usually starts in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Daily insulin is essential for managing type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes, more common in adults but also found in children, occurs when the body can’t use insulin effectively or doesn’t make enough. It’s often managed with lifestyle changes and medications, though insulin may be needed in some cases.

What causes diabetes? 

Diabetes isn’t caused simply by eating too much sugar, and people don’t “give themselves” diabetes. Misleading media often creates harmful stereotypes about the disease. Diabetes can develop due to various factors like genetics, family history, ethnicity, and lifestyle. The causes differ by type: Type 1 diabetes is triggered by an immune reaction that attacks insulin-producing cells, while Type 2 is linked to a mix of genetic and lifestyle factors, such as age, weight, and environment. There’s no single cause of diabetes; usually, multiple factors play a role.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes can be diagnosed through several blood tests:

  • A1C Test: Measures average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. A result of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes. If symptoms of high blood sugar are present, one result of 6.5% or higher confirms diabetes.


  • Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar after fasting overnight. A reading of 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) or higher on two tests confirms diabetes.


  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and two hours after drinking a sugary drink. A result of 11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) or higher on two tests confirms diabetes. If symptoms are present, one result in this range is enough.


  • Random Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar at any time. A result of 11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) or higher, along with symptoms, indicates diabetes. If there are no symptoms, further testing is needed.

Your healthcare provider will choose the right test based on your symptoms and health history

How often should I check my blood sugar levels? 

How often you need to check your blood sugar depends on your type of diabetes and treatment plan. People with type 1 diabetes usually need to test several times a day, while those with type 2 may check less often based on their management plan. Your pharmacist can provide specific recommendations for you. 

What is the A1c test and why is it important? 

The A1c test isn’t only for diagnosing diabetes; it also shows your average blood sugar levels over the last 2–3 months, helping your care team see how well your diabetes is managed. A1c is usually checked every 3–6 months. Most people with diabetes aim for an A1c of 7.0% or lower, though your target may differ based on your health needs.

How can I prevent common foot problems associated with diabetes? 

Foot care is essential for people with diabetes because high blood sugar can damage nerves and reduce blood flow to the feet. This increases the risk of issues like ulcers and infections, which can lead to serious complications if not treated quickly.

Common foot problems include nerve damage (neuropathy), foot ulcers, and infections. To prevent these complications, check your feet daily for cuts or blisters, keep them clean and dry, wear well-fitting shoes, and see your healthcare provider regularly for foot exams. Your pharmacist can also offer guidance on suitable foot care products.