10% of pharmacy users would have hidden diabetes

This is pointed out by the data of the Diprova study, promoted by the COF of Valencia, to detect patients on time.

10 percent of users who come to the community pharmacy could have diabetes.This is indicated by the data of the pilot experience of the Diprova Project (risk group detection of diabetes in the province of Valencia), promoted by the Provincial COF and the Valencian Society of Family and Community Pharmacy (SEFAC), which also say that they also say that53 percent of patients with a high or very high risk of diabetes, according to the Fondrisk test, have alterations in the metabolization of carbohydrates, which would indicate that they can have the disease.

Specifically, 36.3 percent have a glycemia or glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1C) between 5.7 and 6.4 percent (prediabetic state) and 17 percent with HBA1C greater than or equal to 6.5 percent(Diabetes values).

This initiative, focused on the screening of hidden diabetics and prediabetics in the pharmacy office, has been developed in 22 pharmacies and 924 patients (over 18 years of age and without diagnosis of diabetes), from the Findrisk test, the HBA1C digital testand the derivation, if necessary, to the optional with an explanatory letter on tests carried out and results.

These data, presented last week in a day held at the COF, confirm that diabetes screening in regunting pharmacies, with these tools, is effective.To Desirée Ruiz, member of the COF of Valencia, this data reinforces that "both society and administration need the implication of the pharmacist, not only because of its location and closeness to its patients but for its usefulness."Maite Climent, president of SEFAC Valencia, adds: "The pharmacy is the ideal health center for primary prevention and health promotion, interdisciplinary communication in primary care being necessary."

Collaboration of pharmacies

Juan Carlos Ferrer, coordinator of the Diabetes Unit of the Valencia-Hospital General Department, influenced the role of the pharmacy in the early screening, pointing out that "after detection and with the appropriate knowledge, the pharmacist can initiate or give advice onLifestyle to stop the evolution of pathology. "

According to Ferrer, the recommendations on daily physical exercise and, above all, the modifications in the diet, are the fundamental pillars on which to base the treatment of type 2 diabetes. "A weight reduction -if there is overweight or obesity -,,The reduction of simple carbohydrates (such as sugars and derivatives) and saturated and trans fatjust diagnosed with diabetes, "he recalled.