Pilot project for education of patients with type 2 diabetes by pharmacists

The objective was to adapt and test an educational programme for type 2 diabetes patients. The sample consisted of 24 individuals with type 2 diabetes between 31 and 75 years of age that did not require insulin, without severe complications of diabetes. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was applied in the beginning and at the end of the survey. A five-month education was conducted on: hypo- and hyperglycaemia, nourishing and physical activity, feet care, eye care and possible adverse drug reaction. The costs of the education and the pharmacological treatment were calculated. Improvement was observed in patients' diabetes knowledge and there was a decrease in the frequency of hypo- and hyperglycaemic incidents (about 60% less). At the end of the programme no incidents were matched, saving Euro 10/patient. The benefit to cost ratio is about 1:1 (Euro 140:Euro 142.80). The patients' quality of life improved by about 5% according to the Diabetes Questionnaire (IMG). The educational approach has the potential to decrease diabetes complications and therefore the economic cost of type 2 diabetes. Introduction of the programme will benefit diabetes patients, promote pharmacies as a source of independent drug information and recognise pharmacists as competent healthcare providers.