The Role of the Pharmacist in Managing Type 2 Diabetes with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists as Add-On Therapy

This article discusses the role of the pharmacist in the management of patients with T2D, particularly with respect to the use of GLP-1RAs to achieve glycemic control. GLP-1RAs are a class of injectable agents used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with T2D. GLP-1RAs have been shown to lower glucose levels, slow gastric emptying, enhance satiety, and reduce body weight without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. GLP-1RAs currently approved in the USA include exenatide twice daily, liraglutide once daily, and albiglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide once weekly. Pharmacists can work with physicians to help identify patients for whom GLP-1RA therapy is appropriate. In addition, pharmacists can educate patients regarding medication storage, preparation, and injection techniques, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) targets, pre- and post-meal blood glucose goals, adverse events and management strategies, and the long-term benefits of reducing HbA1c. As members of the diabetes care team, pharmacists play an important role in improving patient outcomes.Funding: AstraZeneca.
Source: Advances in Therapy - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research