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Archived News Releases:
Pharmacists positioned to help patients with diabetes management
(Ottawa, November 2, 2009) -
An estimated 1.8 million Canadians are currently living with diabetes
and that number that is rapidly growing. Chronic diseases, like diabetes, put a huge burden on the
Canadian health care system and the direct costs to the system, from diabetes alone, are expected to
exceed $15 billion by next year.
Pharmacists play an important role in diabetes management and are positioned to take on even greater
responsibilities. With approximately 22,000 community pharmacists across Canada, pharmacists are the
most accessible health care professional. Along with family physicians, specialists, nurses, dietitians and
other health care providers, pharmacists provide a wealth of knowledge and guidance to those living
with diabetes.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is leading the Diabetes Strategy for Pharmacists by
providing pharmacists with the knowledge and resources to assume more effective roles in the
collaborative management of this chronic disease. The Strategy includes:
" A diabetes supplement to the March/April 2009 issue of the Canadian Pharmacists Journal,
providing pharmacy practice guidelines and tips to help pharmacists apply the Canadian
Diabetes Association 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of
Diabetes in Canada specifically to pharmacy practice.
" Online and live workshop training programs to enhance the care pharmacists can provide to
patients in diabetes management.
" Diabetes Pharmacist Champions located across Canada to act as spokespersons, leaders and
facilitators of the live workshops in their region. Each brings unique experiences and personal
devotion to diabetes education and the promotion of the pharmacy profession.
"Pharmacists are an integral part of the health care team that patients with diabetes can turn to for help
in managing their diabetes," says Janet Bradshaw, certified diabetes educator and Champion. "We play a
frontline role in helping people with diabetes manage their condition as well as educate them in
prevention and health promotion."
The Champions are true leaders who will motivate and inspire other pharmacists across the country to
make a real difference in the lives of their patients with diabetes. The Champions are also available upon
request to facilitate the live version of the training program.
November is national diabetes awareness monthtake charge of your diabetes and talk to your
pharmacist about management of this chronic disease.
The Diabetes Strategy for Pharmacists was funded in part by the Public Health Agency of Canada
through the Canadian Diabetes Strategy. For more information, please visit
www.pharmacists.ca/diabetes or www.diabetespharmacists.ca.
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Please direct all related inquiries to:
Jennifer L. Hood, Communications Specialist
Canadian Pharmacists Association
1 800 9179486 x219
mediarequests@pharmacists.ca
The Canadian Pharmacists Association advocates for pharmacists and supports its members to advance
the profession and enhance patient outcomes. CPhA is committed to a Vision for Pharmacy of optimal
drug therapy outcomes for Canadian through patientcentred care and is leading the Diabetes Strategy
for Pharmacists as one way of contributing to this Vision.
The training provided through the Diabetes Strategy for Pharmacists is accredited by CPhA. CPhA is an
accredited provider and leading source of high quality CE for pharmacists.
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