Recommendations of community pharmacists and health food store employees regarding undiagnosed symptoms of diabetes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Consumers may seek health advice from health food store employees (HFSEs) and pharmacists. Delays in the diagnosis of time-critical illnesses may increase the likelihood of morbidity, mortality and healthcare expenditures. OBJECTIVE: To describe the information provided by HFSEs and pharmacists for symptoms of undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes. DESIGN: A standardized actor portrayed a consumer with symptoms of Type 1 diabetes at eight community pharmacies and 12 health food stores (HFSs) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Chapel Hill and Durham, North Carolina. He inquired about potential diagnoses, the need to see a physician, and product recommendations. SUBJECTS: The subjects included twelve HFSEs and eight licensed pharmacists. RESULTS: Four of eight (50%) pharmacists and two of 12 (17%) HFSEs mentioned diabetes as a potential diagnosis. Although six pharmacists recommended urgent physician follow-up, only two HFSEs did so; two HFSEs explicitly advised against a physician visit. One pharmacist recommended a product. Nine HFSEs recommended at least one product (monthly costs, range: $24.70-$209.96). CONCLUSIONS: Even when presented with classic symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, under-recognition of diabetes was common among HFSEs and community pharmacists. Delays in treatment present a health risk to consumers. Further research could confirm these results and inform educational interventions to improve diabetes recognition by both groups. © 2010 Society of General Internal Medicine.