Chidambaram Dhandapani, Sumy Sony, K.S.G.Arul Kumaran
In India the prevalence of diabetes has grown over the past decade. Diabetic patients develop complications due to poor awareness regarding the disease and inadequate glycemic control. Patient education is the cornerstone of diabetes care and is the most effective way to lessen the complications of diabetes and its management. A total of 91(66 males and 25 females) type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were enrolled and randomized in to test and control groups. Patients in the test group received counselling at each visit whereas control group were not provided with a counselling session. A modified knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire was administered to both test and control group patients at baseline to assess their current knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to their condition. On the basis of KAP analysis a diabetic foot care questionnaire was administered to both test and control group patients at baseline and at follow-up to assess awareness regarding disease management. Blood glucose parameters were also evaluated at baseline and follow-up in both the groups. At the end of the study, the diabetic foot care score of test group patients improved significantly (P<0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in control group patients. The FBS and PPBS levels decreased significantly in the test group. Whilst a small reduction, which is statistically not significant, was detected in the control group. HbA1C also showed a decrease in the test group. The pharmacist, although not the health care professional to diagnose diabetes, can monitor the patient's blood glucose levels and keep a track of it. Thus our study reveals that pharmacist counselling might be an important element in diabetes management programs.
