Ask a Pharmacist

Many resources about healthy living and proper treatment of illnesses are available from a wide range of places. Pharmacists are the most knowledgeable and accessible resource to answer patient questions or to provide further information about medications, and St. Louis College of Pharmacy has a vast resource of pharmacy professionals on campus who are dedicated not only to their students but their community as well.

This month, Certified Diabetes Educator and Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Amie Brooks, Pharm.D., BCPS, explains type 1 and type 2 diabetes, symptoms and preventative measures. To submit your health care or medicine-related question, e-mail medicationsafety@stlcop.edu. You can also visit DrugDigest.org , a collaboration between St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Express Scripts, to look up drug information.

Q. How would you describe diabetes, and how does it affect diagnosed people?
The body's primary source of fuel for cellular functions is glucose (sugar). In a healthy body, insulin released from the pancreas allows this glucose to be used for fuel. Diabetes is the body's inability to use glucose as fuel. This can be due to a lack of insulin, the body's resistance to insulin, or both. When the body is unable to use glucose as fuel, this glucose builds up in the blood stream and the high blood sugar levels can result in various complications throughout the body such as kidney disease, heart disease and circulatory problems among others. 
 
Q. I hear there are certain types of diabetes, can you explain those?
The two primary types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is due to the body’s inability to make insulin. This type is commonly diagnosed in younger individuals, often children or teens. Type 2 diabetes is due to the body developing a resistance to insulin. This type is commonly diagnosed during adulthood, often in the fifth to sixth decade and associated with excess body weight and physical inactivity. 
 
Q. Does diabetes usually affect a certain population?
Certain ethnic groups such as Asians, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans are at a higher risk than other ethnicities. Diabetes is known to also have a genetic component, so those with first-degree family members (mother, father, brother, or sister) with diabetes also have a higher risk of the diagnosis. Lifestyle factors such as being overweight or physically inactive can increase the risk of diagnosis as can other conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
 
Q. What symptoms might a person who has diabetes experience?
Some symptoms of high blood sugar include excessive thirst, excessive urination, and unexplained weight loss. However, a large number of people with type 2 diabetes never experience ANY symptoms, which is why it is so important to see your health care provider regularly for screening.
 
Q. Who should get tested for diabetes?
All persons 45 years and older should be tested as well as anyone who is significantly overweight, especially if any predisposing factors mentioned above are present (high-risk ethnicity, family history, etc.).

Q. How are people with diabetes medically treated?
Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin while type 2 diabetes is generally treated with a combination of diet, exercise, oral medication and, potentially, insulin or other injection therapies. There are numerous regimens available today as our options for treating diabetes continue to grow each year. 

Q. Are there any at-home cures or everyday things a person with diabetes can do to help prevent it from affecting them?
Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of dietary efforts and physical activity is the best way to prevent the onset of diabetes or to limit the progression of the disease for those who have been diagnosed. .
 
Q. How can diabetes affect the everyday life of a diagnosed person?
Diabetes often requires that patients monitor their blood sugar at home one or more times each day and that a healthy diet and exercise regimen are followed. While complications of diabetes may impose limitations resulting from affects on the eyes, kidneys, heart, or circulation; many patients with diabetes are fortunate to avoid those complications through careful attention to a healthy lifestyle. 
 
Q. What role do pharmacists play in prevention/treatment of diabetes?
Pharmacists can serve as excellent resources for patients with or at risk for diabetes. Pharmacists work in a variety of settings to provide services to this population. Community pharmacies may offer free screenings, general diabetes education classes or appointments, or even specialty treatment services. Pharmacists also work within health care institutions such as hospitals or clinics to provide education and support to patients with diabetes.