December 2006: Community pharmacists could soon be playing a more direct role in diabetes management following a new study at Brisbane's Wesley Research Institute funded by the MBF Foundation.
The aim of the study is to help people with Type 2 Diabetes gain better control over their blood glucose levels to reduce their need for visits to the doctor or hospital admissions.
Wesley Research Institute Director, Professor Julie Campbell, said that patients in the study would use hi-tech glucose meters to measure their blood glucose levels at varying times during the day. The metres are attached to their computers and a special software program is used to chart changes in glucose levels.
"Half the study participants will take this information to their pharmacists who can advise on lifestyle changes to help moderate their blood glucose levels and prevent them becoming unwell," said Professor Campbell. "The other half will continue to manage their blood glucose levels themselves."
It is hoped that the year long study to be completed at the end of 2007 will lead to new Australia-wide treatment standards for Type 2 Diabetes where patients and pharmacists work together to manage the disease.
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MBF Chief Medical Officer, Dr Christine Bennett, said MBF Foundation is supporting this innovative study to enable Australians facing the challenges of diabetes to take greater control of their condition and improve their overall health and life enjoyment.
The MBF Foundation is a charitable institution set up by MBF to support and manage important health initiatives for the community using a portion of MBF Group’s investment income each year. Projects undertaken encompass three key areas – wellness and obesity, supporting healthy ageing and keeping healthcare affordable.
Source: Research Australia
