Best Practices in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes:
Improving Glycemic Control
ACPE activity #204-000-09-441-L01P
1 hour (0.1 CEU) of continuing pharmacy education
Overview
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the United States and is associated with significant long-term morbidity and mortality. Patients with diabetes are at much higher risk for development of both microvascular and macrovascular complications, including peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, ophthalmic abnormalities, and cardiovascular disease. An estimated three out of five people with type 2 diabetes have at least one serious health problem associated with the disease. In 2008, the estimated direct and indirect costs of diabetes and its complications in the United States totaled nearly $215 billion.
Managing patients with type 2 diabetes is dependent on an in-depth understanding of currently available therapies (monotherapy and combination therapy), side effects, drug interactions, and monitoring parameters. Risks associated with co-morbid conditions, including cardiovascular disease and obesity, must be considered when formulating an appropriate treatment plan. Pharmacists engaged in diabetes care, such as providing self-management education, responding to patient questions, recommending lifestyle changes, encouraging patients to refill prescriptions and monitor blood glucose levels, and reviewing medications, have demonstrated significant improvements in glycemic control. Diabetes education programs accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) are available for pharmacists to develop competencies in diabetes care. In March 2009, AADE became an approved Medicare provider for diabetes self-management training.
This educational activity will provide an overview of recent trends in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and barriers to optimal therapy. The benefits of advancing therapy for patients who do not reach goal A1C < 7.0% will be discussed. The role of American Diabetes Association-recommended goals for A1C, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol, patient-specific variables and co-morbidities, and new therapeutic options will be considered. A best practices model for a pharmacy-based diabetes management program will be presented. Audience participation will be incorporated to illustrate important concepts and decision-making processes.
Faculty
Susan Cornell, B.S., Pharm.D., CDE, CDM
Assistant Director of Experiential Education
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacy Practice
Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy
Downers Grove, Illinois
Curtis L. Triplitt, Pharm.D., CDE
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Diabetes
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Clinical Specialist
Texas Diabetes Institute
San Antonio, Texas
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this knowledge-based educational activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the latest concepts in the pathophysiology, management, and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
- Discuss the potential for new therapies to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
- Prepare an appropriate treatment plan for optimal glycemic control to prevent or reduce diabetes-related complications.
- Develop a pharmacy-based disease management program for type 2 diabetes.
- Identify strategies for reimbursement when providing diabetes self-management education and training.