Diabetes Management: Mastering Your Health Journey

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease involving inappropriately elevated blood glucose levels.

One in 10 adults around the world now lives with diabetes or an estimated 537 million people. Almost half do not know they have it. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the prevalence of diabetes in Qatar in 2021 was 16.4% among adults aged 20-79 years. This means that approximately 394,900 adults in Qatar have diabetes.

?The prevalence of diabetes in Qatar is high compared to the global average of 10.5%. However, it is lower than the average for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is 17.8%. The high prevalence of diabetes in Qatar is a major public health concern. Diabetes can lead to several serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness.

TYPES

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Maturity onset diabetes of the young
• Neonatal diabetes

CAUSES

• Overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity
• Insulin resistance
• Genes and family history
• Genetic mutations
• Hormonal diseases
• Damage to or removal of the pancreas
• Gestational diabetic conditions

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

There are many different types of diabetes medication available, and the best treatment for you will depend on your individual needs. Some common types of diabetes medication include:

• Different classes of oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) are available: biguanides (e.g., metformin), sulfonylureas (e.g., glimepiride), meglitinides (e.g., repaglinide), thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone), dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors (e.g., sitagliptin), and α-glucosidase inhibitors (e.g., acarbose).
• Insulin: Insulin is required for all patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus because they do not produce insulin (due to destruction of the pancreatic beta-cells) and will develop ketoacidosis without it. Insulin is also used in the management of many patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Injectables: There are also several injectable medications available for type 2 diabetes. These medications work in different ways to lower blood sugar levels and can be used in combination with oral medications or insulin.
• Diet: Eating a healthy diet is important for people with diabetes. A healthy diet for diabetes includes:
• Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Choosing lean protein sources
• Limiting processed foods and sugary drinks
• Exercise: Regular exercise is also important for people with diabetes. Exercise helps to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Monitoring blood sugar levels: People with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. This can be done using a blood glucose meter. It can help people with diabetes to track their progress and make sure that their treatment is working.

PHARMACIST ROLE IN DIABETIC CARE

• Pharmacists can?support people with type 2 diabetes so they get the best from their medicines, improving their health and well-being through integrated, collaborative, and personalized care services.
• Ensuring that the medicines prescribed to patients are suitable, advising patients about medicines, including how to take them, and what reactions may occur, and clarifying patient’s doubts regarding medicine usage.
• Provide comprehensive diabetes services, including basic education and counseling on diabetes topics such as blood glucose management, diet, and exercise.
• Discuss the complications of hypoglycemia condition in counseling.
• In diabetes mellitus condition there may also be associated peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetic retinopathy. So, pharmacists have a pivotal role in patient counseling in diabetic care.
• Multivitamin supplements are essential for the treatment of diabetes.
• Chromium is a trace mineral that helps the body use glucose efficiently and is beneficial for insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control.
• Vitamin B12, Alpha-lipoic acid, and Vitamin C are also good for the symptomatic treatment of diabetes mellitus.

There is significant evidence to support the role of pharmacists in providing a range of extended diabetes care services, from screening to ongoing disease state management. Community pharmacists are considered to be the most accessible healthcare professionals. As such, they are well-placed to play a significant role in the care of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

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