NACDS and FDA launch nationwide diabetes program

Drug Store News,  May 20, 2002  by Bruce Buckley,  Joan Buckley

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WASHINGTON -- Health and Human Services secretary Tommy Thompson had his blood sugar tested. Ann Daly, president of health care and education at the American Diabetes Association, brought salsa and tortilla chips. And Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, a certified diabetes educator and clinical professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, demonstrated glucose monitoring technique.

The occasion? The kickoff here at a Safeway supermarket of a new nationwide diabetes awareness program for women sponsored by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the Food and Drug Administration and the ADA.

The program, called "Take Time to Care About Diabetes," is being rolled out to some 22,000 chain pharmacies in 10 cities where diabetes is especially prevalent. The pharmacies will distribute informational brochures and self-assessment tests, and many also will take part in clinical assessment programs designed to increase the level of awareness of women who have already been diagnosed with the disease.

The 10 cities in which chain drug stores will take part in the campaign are: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans and Philadelphia.

The ADA estimates that about 9.1 million American women have diabetes, including about 3 million who are unaware that they have it. The statistics are especially high among African-American, Hispanic-Latino and Native American women. The disease greatly increases the risk for vascular complications that can lead to blindness, amputations and heart disease. It also is a major risk factor during pregnancy for women and their unborn children. And it's estimated that 60 percent of all people with diabetes are women.

During the campaign kickoff ceremony, which was wedged into a narrow space between the pharmacy and fresh fruit displays, Thompson said women "have a unique role to play in the fight against diabetes," noting that they are the primary caregivers and the ones who make most family health care decisions. "We want women to be educated about diabetes," Thompson said. "We want them to know how it can be prevented, and we want women to start caring for themselves."

Pointing out how easily most cases can be prevented, Thompson said that 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise, such as walking, and the loss of 10 pounds to 15 pounds reduces the risk by 58 percent. "Eating a low-fat diet that includes fruits and vegetables also is a good way to stay healthy," he added. "And if you're a diabetic, it's a great way to stay well."

Susan Guiterman, senior vice president of communications and external affairs at NACDS, said members of the association would distribute more than 4 million educational kits during the camaign, which runs through June 22.

"In addition to the risk tests and educational brochures, 40 of our member companies will conduct more than 250 free assessment programs," she said. "Hundreds of people with diabetes that visit their participating pharmacies will be able to receive a clinical assessment and consult with their own community pharmacist. With diabetes, it's critical that patients know how to monitor their condition. Pharmacists are trained to help the public learn about how to accurately monitor their health."

Rodriguez de Bittner agreed. "Pharmacists across the country--and I'm one example of them--have demonstrated that when we work collaboratively with other health care professionals, we can make a difference," she said.

Demonstrating in the aisle

Daly of the ADA noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Precention "tells us that only about 30 percent of the people in the United States with diabetes have had any education. We have to change that, and that's where the 'Take Time to Care' campaign is going to help.

"This is a terrible disease," she added. "We must get the word out to women that you can prevent this. Education is the best friend you've got."

After the remarks, members of the media and others attending the ceremony mingled in the supermarket aisles and sampled cups of slightly spicy salsa and tortilla chips that Daly had brought along. The dish was prepared using one of the recipe cards in the diabetes informational packets.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez de Bittner demonstrated how to use a blood glucose monitor for a woman customer who had been diagnosed with diabetes. Looking on, Thompson asked if he also could have his glucose level checked. The pharmacist agreed to stick his finger and draw the blood required for a test. The result: within the normal range for someone who had just eaten lunch.

The pharmacists' clinical assessments for patients already diagnosed with diabetes will include hemoglobin A1C tests (for evaluating long-term glucose tolerance), blood pressure tests and individual consultations. A pencil and paper self-evaluation test will be used by others to assess their risk for contracting the disease. That test can be used as the basis for consultations with their pharmacists or physicians.

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