STATUS OF DIABETIC HYPERTENSION IN KANPUR CITY AND ROLE OF PHARMACIST AS A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL IN TREATMENT AND CONTROL OF DIABETIC HYPERTENSION

Pharmacists in all practice settings are in a key position to start providing care to people, who have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, or to expand and improve their care. Pharmacy programs for patients with diabetes involve activities ranging from identifying and referring at-risk patients, to supporting American Diabetes Association recognized multi-disciplinary diabetes care programs. Pharmacists can help identify patients with diabetes through screening and should target patients at high risk, people with a family history of the disease, and women with a history of gestational diabetes or who delivered a baby weighing more than nine pounds. Patient education should be provided immediately after diagnosis, at a second stage at which time a patient assessment can be performed, and at a third stage during which patients can receive continuing education to reinforce concepts and motivational boost. One of the pharmacist’s most important roles is the referral of patients to the other members of the diabetes care team. The pharmacist can play an important role in diabetes care by screening patients at risk for diabetes, assessing patient health status and adherence to standards of care, educating patients to empower them to care for themselves, referring patients to other health care professionals as appropriate, and monitoring outcomes. Providing diabetes management services requires communication skills, and a commitment of time, effort, and resources. Pharmacists who obtain training in diabetes management reap rewards in professional satisfaction and financial reimbursement.