Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

TREATMENT MODALITIES: PHARMACOLOGICAL THERAPIES | 6-101

CONCLUSION

Pharmacological therapy is one of the cornerstones of diabetes management in conjunction with commitment to lifestyle behaviours expected to lower blood glucose. Success in pharmacological therapy requires the person with diabetes receive initial and ongoing education and support to enable them to make knowledgeable treatment choices. The therapy selected by the individual with diabetes and the DHC team should be based on the person’s treatment goals, self management skills, lifestyle, health status, weight, risk of hypoglycemia, and financial situation. The 2018 Guidelines stress the importance of individualization of glycemic targets and treatment regimens to provide the best care for that individual while minimizing risks of adverse events. Ongoing education and support is an integral part of diabetes care and diabetes self- management. As stated previously, change and education are an evolving process; people with diabetes must build on their knowledge as they gain experience and confidence in managing their diabetes and incorporating diabetes into their lifestyle. The DHC team’s role is to help facilitate this process by providing support and education to meet the individual’s ongoing needs. Advances in research and technology will continue to provide people with diabetes more therapeutic options and diabetes self-care support, and help them attain their optimal health outcomes.