Evaluation of Pharmacist Intervention for Individuals With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes
This study aims to discover if involving a pharmacist more closely can help people with Type 2 diabetes get better control of their blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition, and if not managed well, it can lead to health problems. Treatment often involves a team of healthcare professionals, including dietitians and pharmacists. This research will see if pharmacists, or student pharmacists, can make a difference by reviewing medications, offering advice, and providing education. We'll look at changes in a key blood sugar test (HbA1c) and ask participants how they feel about managing their diabetes. This could help more people live healthier lives with diabetes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where your body doesn't use sugar properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. If these levels stay high for a long time, it can cause serious health complications. Many people with Type 2 diabetes work with different healthcare experts, like doctors, dietitians, and pharmacists, to manage their condition. This study is exploring a new way pharmacists might help people with Type 2 diabetes.
We know that things like what you eat and how much you exercise can make a big difference, as can the medicines you take. Pharmacists are experts in medicines, and this study wants to see if their direct involvement, through checking your medicines, suggesting improvements, and offering education, can help people get their diabetes under better control.
The main aim is to see if this extra support from a pharmacist leads to lower blood sugar levels, measured by a test called HbA1c, which shows your average blood sugar over the last three months. We also want to understand if people feel more confident and knowledgeable about managing their diabetes after receiving this support. This research is important because it could help improve care for many people living with Type 2 diabetes in the future.
Key takeaways
- A study for adults with Type 2 diabetes at Portage Clinic.
- Investigates if pharmacists can help improve diabetes control.
- Looks at blood sugar levels (HbA1c) and patient confidence.
- You'll either get special pharmacist help or continue usual care (with pharmacist help offered later).
- Participation involves surveys, blood tests, and potentially medication reviews.
- Your regular doctor care will continue throughout the study.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) with Type 2 diabetes whose main doctor is at the Portage Clinic. Your diabetes also needs to be a bit uncontrolled, meaning your HbA1c blood test result is 10% or higher. It's also important that you haven't received specific help from a clinical pharmacist for your diabetes before.
You can't take part if you're under 18, have Type 1, pre-diabetes, or gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). If you've recently had intensive help from a pharmacist or another health professional for your diabetes, or if your HbA1c is already below 10%, you won't be suitable. Also, if you have severe kidney problems or need dialysis, or if you're not willing to consider changes to your medication, this study isn't for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years or older?
- Do you have Type 2 diabetes?
- Is your main doctor at the Portage Clinic?
- Is your HbA1c blood test result 10% or higher?
- Have you NOT had special help from a clinical pharmacist for your diabetes before?
- Are you willing to consider changes to your diabetes medication if needed?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first be screened by a pharmacist to make sure you're suitable. If you qualify and agree to join, you'll sign a consent form. Everyone in the study will fill out a short survey at the beginning and again at the end. After this, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups.
One group will continue with their usual care from their doctor and other healthcare team members. The other group will receive special support from a pharmacist or student pharmacist. This support includes reviewing your diabetes medicines, finding the best treatment options, having regular check-ups, and getting education about managing your diabetes. If you're in the usual care group, you'll get the chance to have this pharmacist support after the study finishes. Everyone will also have blood tests at the end of the study to see how their blood sugar levels have changed. You'll also need to monitor your blood sugar at home as directed. The study aims to enrol 60 participants.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Portage ClinicVerified postcodePortage la Prairie, Canada
Common questions
What is Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where your body doesn't use sugar for energy properly, leading to high sugar levels in your blood.
What is HbA1c?
HbA1c is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It's a key indicator of how well your diabetes is controlled.
Will I have to stop seeing my usual doctor?
No, you will continue to receive your standard care from your doctor and other healthcare team members throughout the study.
What if I'm in the group that doesn't get pharmacist help?
If you're in the group that doesn't receive special pharmacist help during the study, you'll be offered that support after the study period ends.
How long will the study last?
The description doesn't give an exact duration, but it mentions 'frequent follow-up' and repeating blood work at the 'end of the study period'.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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