Diabetes continues to be a significant health concern with high incidence and prevalence rates in the United States. It is estimated that 1 in every 10 Americans is affected by diabetes.1 Of those affected, an estimated 1 in 5 remain unaware of their condition.1 Recognizing the importance of raising awareness and promoting education about diabetes, we – the student chapter of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (SCCP) at High Point University (HPU) Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy – organized a 2-week-long event during November, National Diabetes Month, in 2023. Pharmacy students offered point-of-care (POC) blood glucose testing coupled with tailored, informative sessions for event participants. Through a series of outreach events, our chapter volunteers felt confident in their efforts to engage and disseminate knowledge to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff at HPU, showing forth our commitment as future pharmacists to bridging the knowledge gaps that often exist between patients and health care providers. We believe our chapter’s approach is a proactive way to build an informed and empowered community.
Point-of-care blood glucose testing results can significantly affect the lives of all members of our community. Recognizing that some people may not regularly consult with their health care providers, we believed that information on abnormal POC results could serve as an incentive for them to seek appropriate care and follow-up. We aimed to guarantee equal opportunities and accessibility for everyone to obtain such impactful results. Our approach not only involved the provision of blood glucose testing but also included an information sheet and an interpretation of the values they received.
We also provided educational handouts, including diabetes and prediabetes classification, nutritional recommendations and methods, and factors that can influence blood glucose concentrations. The educational materials were sourced from reputable organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and Novo Nordisk. The diabetes handouts covered warning signs, management strategies, and a diabetes hotline for questions. In addition, the prediabetes handout outlined the classification of prediabetes and provided guidance on lifestyle choices to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. The dietary handouts encompassed information on optimal foods for individuals with diabetes, the plate method emphasizing serving sizes, carbohydrate counting, and guidelines for effectively reading food labels. The handouts on blood glucose delved into factors influencing concentrations, as well as addressed hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. By disseminating these educational materials, we were able to engage with others on campus, fostering awareness and understanding of this prevalent health condition.
During the awareness weeks, we at HPU SCCP seized on the opportunity to engage with various HPU health care professionals in training. Students from programs of physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing, and the biomedical sciences underwent POC blood glucose testing to gain insight into diabetes. These professionals displayed interest in the topic and provided their unique perspectives, rooted in their respective and diverse disciplines. Together, we shared practical insights into diabetes, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge that enriched our shared understanding of diabetes.
One example of the positive impact of our event was shown through a valuable interaction with an HPU staff member. At the start of the encounter, the individual expressed interest in testing their blood glucose concentration. We engaged in a thorough discussion about blood glucose testing and provided guidance on effective at-home management. During the testing, we discovered a higher-than-normal blood glucose concentration. With the support of a faculty adviser, we shared crucial insights on diabetes management and lifestyle choices. This interaction underscored the significance of diabetes awareness and the diverse perspectives essential in health education. It also reinforced the notion that such chance encounters can have a meaningful impact on fostering understanding and promoting proactive health choices.
It was gratifying to offer HPU students, faculty, and staff a firsthand look at the capabilities of pharmacists. In addition, this experience served as an excellent opportunity to hone our skills in blood glucose testing and provide diabetes education. Given that this is a fundamental aspect taught in our first year, it remains crucial to stay current on the proper procedures for blood glucose measurement. Learning alongside a faculty adviser and fellow pharmacy students emphasized the importance of continuous education, prioritizing our training to ensure the highest quality of care for our future patients. Many individuals are affected by the impact of diabetes, but often without the necessary knowledge about the disease to determine their next course of action. At the end of our event, it became evident that our chapter had achieved success. We effectively met our goal to raise awareness among those unfamiliar with diabetes, providing essential education to enlighten them on optimal practices. As student pharmacists, we disseminated information through POC testing and disease state education and ensured the availability of informational materials. By setting up tables in various locations around campus, we exposed undergraduate students to the field of pharmacy and its capabilities. This successful initiative serves as a model that can be replicated at other schools of pharmacy. By sharing our experiences and best practices, we hope to inspire and empower fellow student pharmacists to undertake similar efforts in their communities. This event, a longstanding tradition for our chapter, will persist as the demand for pharmacists in health care continues to increase.
Reference
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By the Numbers: Diabetes in America. Updated 2023. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/health-equity/diabetes-by-the-numbers.html