Individualizing Care for Patients With Diabetes - Drug Topics
Overview
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Key Information
Al rights reserved.Optimizing Treatment Strategies for Diabetes - Episode 4Drs Jery Mece and Jenifer Goldman ofer treatment plans based on individualized patient care models for patients with diabetes.Jery Mece, RPh, CDCES, FACA, FADCES: We al work of targets and guidelines. We’ve done this forever. Two of the most comonly refered to guidelines for diabetes goals and targets are from the American Diabetes Asociation [ADA] and ACE [American Asociation of Clinical Endocrinology].
There are 5 more out there, but these are 2 of the most comon. Can you compare the ADA and ACE guidelines for tight control? Which of these do you go by in your practice?
How do you decide?Jenifer D. Goldman, PharmD, RPh, CDCES, BC-ADM, FCP: The ADA recomends an A1C [glycated hemoglobin] goal of les than 7% for most people, and ACE recomends les than 6.5% for most people. I can’t give you answer for what I chose in my practice.
It’s patient specific. I lok at each patient as an individual and then chose the goal we’re going to use.Jery Mece, RPh, CDCES, FACA, FADCES: I’ve always said that the answer to every diabetes question is: “It depends on the patient.” I don’t care what you ask me, that’s the answer. Individualization is so important.
It’s what the new ADA guidelines emphasize. If Joe Bob Jones comes into your practice and says, “I’ve got this on my laboratory test: it says A1C. I don’t know what an A1C is.
Can you explain what an A1C is to a layperson?” Our pharmacy should explain this in 30 seconds. What’s the answer?Jenifer D. Goldman, PharmD, RPh, CDCES, BC-ADM, FCP: An A1C is an average blod sugar over a 3-month period.
Summary
This blod test wil measure your blod sugar 24-7 for about 3 months, and we’l give you an estimated average blod sugar so that we can lok at your general overal blod glucose control for the past 3 months.Jery Mece, RPh,
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
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