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VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Thirteen Pharmasave Pacific Ltd. stores in British Columbia are piloting a clinical program to help diabetes patients better manage their condition.
The Canadian pharmacy cooperative recently announced that the locations in the province are participating in a pharmacist-led clinical trial in which type 2 diabetes patients use a therapeutic nutrition program to help reduce their need for glucose-lowering medications.
The evidence-based clinical research study is being done in partnership with University of British Columbia Okanagan.
Pharmasave pharmacists will test whether a low-carbohydrate therapeutic nutrition intervention can help patients with type 2 diabetes get their blood sugar levels under control, cut back on their medications and lower their overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
“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 health care system to integrate nutrition into the care plan for their patients,” Pharmasave Pacific chief executive officer Greg Shepherd said in a statement. “We think this approach has enormous potential for changing diabetes management not just in B.C. but beyond.”
Study participants will attend weekly follow-up meetings with a Pharmasave coach over the 12-week trial, during which time various study-specific measures will be recorded. The project is expected to help develop new approaches in type 2 diabetes and chronic disease management.
Pharmasave Drugs National Ltd. is one of Canada’s largest chain drug retailers, with more than 600 member-owned pharmacies across nine provinces.
