Skip to main content

Submitted.  Starting immediately, 13 Pharmasave stores across British Columbia are taking part in a pharmacist-led clinical trial which utilizes a therapeutic nutrition program to support the goal of reducing the need for glucose-lowering medications in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study is a partnership between Pharmasave and UBC Okanagan. Community pharmacists from the 13 Pharmasave sites will participate in an evidence-based clinical research study to test whether a low-carbohydrate therapeutic nutrition intervention (currently being offered at a number of Pharmasave locations) can help patients with type 2 diabetes get their blood sugar levels under control, reduce their medications, and decrease their overall risk of cardiovascular disease. In Canada, there are over 3 million people living with type 2 diabetes and worldwide 1 in 11 adults has diabetes. The cost to individuals and their families and to the healthcare system is growing at an epidemic rate. People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes typically take multiple medications to help lower their blood

This study is a partnership between Pharmasave and UBC Okanagan. Community pharmacists from the 13 Pharmasave sites will participate in an evidence-based clinical research study to test whether a low-carbohydrate therapeutic nutrition intervention (currently being offered at a number of Pharmasave locations) can help patients with type 2 diabetes get their blood sugar levels under control, reduce their medications, and decrease their overall risk of cardiovascular disease. In Canada, there are over 3 million people living with type 2 diabetes and worldwide 1 in 11 adults has diabetes. The cost to individuals and their families and to the healthcare system is growing at an epidemic rate. People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes typically take multiple medications to help lower their blood sugar, and often struggle to manage their overall health. This research project will aid in the development of new approaches in type 2 diabetes and chronic disease management. “Positioning community pharmacists to lead a therapeutic nutrition intervention is an innovative idea with great potential to make a positive impact on the health of individuals living with type 2 diabetes. The concept of pharmacists leading nutrition intervention, in the community, to get people off their diabetes medications is extremely novel and forward thinking. We are excited to be working with Pharmasave on this clinical trial.”– Dr. Jonathan Little, UBC Okanagan Researcher “As medications experts, pharmacists are extremely knowledgeable about the pathophysiology of diabetes and the many medications used to manage this condition. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned in the healthcare system to integrate nutrition into the care plan for their patients. We think this approach has enormous potential for changing diabetes management not just in BC, but beyond.” – Greg Shepherd, CEO, Pharmasave Pacific. “We know the significant impact type 2 diabetes has on the lives of our patients, and we are proud to be part of research that could result in such a life-changing outcome.”

Study participants will attend weekly follow-up meetings with a Pharmasave coach throughout the 12 weeks, during which various study-specific measures will be recorded. As industry leading healthcare professionals, Pharmasave pharmacists will be actively engaged in each step of the study, and, through collaboration with patients and their physicians, will ensure that appropriate medication adjustments are made. Safe and effective use of all medications remains the number one priority of Pharmasave pharmacists. About Pharmasave: With more than 600 stores across the country, Pharmasave is one of Canada’s leading independent community pharmacies. Since being founded in 1981, Pharmasave has focused on building a national platform of community-based retail outlets designed to provide exceptional patient-centred healthcare, medication advice, drug store products and customer service. Pharmasave continues to differentiate itself through leading-edge digital solutions. Patients can access everyday tools to manage their health in ways that are simple to set up and easy to maintain with eCare @ Pharmasave. This suite of interactive solutions enables patients to digitally engage with their pharmacy and empowers them with mobile refills, medication reminders and so much more. Each Pharmasave store operates independently to serve its individual community, tailoring both programs and services to the unique needs of customers and reinforcing the commitment to help all customers Live Well with Pharmasave. For more information about the study and how to participate, please contact: therapeutic.nutrition@ubc.ca

 

The 13 Pharmasave study sites are located in the following areas:

Caulfield, West Vancouver

Grandview Corners, Surrey

Richmond

Langley

Tofino

Comox

Parksville

Broadmead, Victoria

James Bay, Victoria

Grand Forks

Glenmore, Kelowna

Lakeshore, Kelowna

Osoyoos

The Editor

Author The Editor

More posts by The Editor

Leave a Reply