The role of pharmacists in control and management of type 2 Diabete s Mellitus; a review of the literature

Abstract

Improving glycemic control is the key to reducing both micro-vascular and macro-vascular complications, associated with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This review examines the contributions of pharmacists to the long term prognosis of patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by improving their control and management. A systematic literature search was conducted. Twenty-three studies were identified that demonstrated the effect of pharmacist intervention on HbA1c. In all cases, it was reported that pharmacist intervention was successful in reducing HbA1c in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The minimum reduction obtained was 0.5% with a maximum reduction of 3.4%. Pharmacist intervention proved successful in improving patients " lipid profiles, cardiovascular outcomes, body mass index and other complications associated with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It was also reported that there were economic advantages associated with pharmacist management of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Pharmacist intervention in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients was successful in leading to reductions in mortality, morbidity and cost of treatment.