Effect of a pharmaceutical care program on vascular risk factors in Type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle diabetes study

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of a 12-month pharmaceutical care (PC) program on vascular risk in type 2 diabetes. Research design and methods: We recruited 198 community-based patients randomized to PC or usual care. PC patients had face-to-face goal-directed medication and lifestyle counseling at baseline and at 6 and 12 months plus 6-weekly telephone assessments and provision of other educational material. Clinical, biochemical, and medication-related data were sent regularly to each patient’s physician(s). The main outcome measure was change in HbA1c. A diabetes-specific risk engine was used to estimate changes in 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke risk in patients without a history of cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: A 12-month PC program in type 2 diabetes reduced glycemia and blood pressure. Pharmacist involvement contributed to improvement in HbA1c independently of pharmacotherapeutic changes. PC could prove a valuable component of community-based multidisciplinary diabetes care.