GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Half of all people with diabetes feel overwhelmed in managing the disease and lack a personal care plan to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle, Meijer Inc. found in a poll of consumers in its five-state market area.
The supercenter chain said Tuesday that, in light of such findings and as part of American Diabetes Month, it has launched Meijer.com/diabetes, a new website to provide customers with diabetes resources like a risk assessment test and information on nutrition, exercise, and medication management to help create personal care plans.
"While the challenges of managing diabetes or being at risk for the disease can sometimes seem overwhelming, there are many places consumers can turn to get answers to their questions, like your local pharmacist," Nat Love, vice president of Meijer Drug Store, said in a statement. "Nearly 40% of those surveyed told us that, in addition to regular doctor visits, they are more willing to talk with pharmacists and find that walk-in clinical services are convenient for getting extra support in developing their personal care plan for diabetes."
The survey, which included people with both types of diabetes, as well as those at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, revealed that motivation is a challenge for people looking to take better control of their health. Respondents said they struggle most with nutrition and diet.
In addition, the poll found that almost 90% of respondents couldn’t fully identify the complications that could result from not managing the disease, such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, blindness and kidney disease.
All of Meijer’s 203 stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky have pharmacies, and the retailer noted that its support for people with diabetes spans the grocery and pharmacy areas.
Along with its fresh produce and other healthy food options, Meijer has a Diabetes Care section in front of its pharmacies that offers a range of support services, including specially trained diabetes pharmacists that can help customers with medications, testing and more. Meijer also provides free metformin, the drug most commonly used in treating type 2 diabetes, to customers with a prescription.
In addition, Meijer pharmacists are on hand to help customers adjust to recent Medicare Part B changes involving mail-order purchases of diabetes test strips and glucometers. They are available to help complete necessary paperwork and continue to accept Medicare Part B for diabetes testing supplies, the retailer said.
Meijer also provides free, in-store blood glucose testing, along with other health tests, in its stores as well as Healthy Living Advisors, a team of registered dietitians who offer advice on diabetes-friendly foods and recipes plus nutritional and exercise tips for leading a healthier lifestyle.
"The opportunity to talk with someone without having to make an appointment, as well as having access to quality foods, medications and resources that they need to live a healthy life, is especially worthwhile and can make a difference in helping stay motivated," Love added.
