National Diabetes Week 2023

Hey there! Have you marked your calendars yet? National Diabetes Week 2023 is just around the corner. It is running from the 12th to the 18th of July. This awareness week is the perfect opportunity to support those in our community suffering from Diabetes and to learn more about the illness, how we can help and what we can do to prevent or treat it! So, let’s jump in.

Spotting the signs: when you should go see your GP

Firstly, let's talk about the different types of diabetes. This is a common part of Diabetes that gets confused and lost in translation. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body likes to say "nope" to producing insulin. People are born with Type 1 Diabetes and it develops and symptoms manifest later in life. Whereas Type 2 diabetes, the most common kid on the block, happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough. This is predominantly linked to lifestyle choices, things we can control. And then there's gestational diabetes, which affects pregnant women, usually around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy.

If you're experiencing symptoms like frequent trips to the loo, an unquenchable thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or blurred vision, it's time to have a heart-to-heart with your GP. Early detection can lead to better management and prevent complications.

How technology like MedAdvisor provide support people who suffer from Diabetes?

In our modern world, technology plays a massive role in managing our health conditions, diabetes is no exception! MedAdvisor, a super user-friendly medication management app, is designed to simplify your healthcare journey. It helps you keep track of your meds, organise your refills, and even connect with your preferred pharmacy for home delivery.

For those managing diabetes, MedAdvisor can help ensure a consistent supply of your National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) medications. It's not just about convenience; it's about empowering you to take control of your health. Discover more about how MedAdvisor is shaking things up in healthcare here.

Heart-to-heart with pharmacists: Helping patients manage Diabetes using MedAdvisor

We had a chat with Radhika Yadav, a pharmacist at Cincotta Discount Chemist, Dickson who uses MedAdvisor to get their take on managing diabetes. Here's what she had to say:

Can you share any specific examples or success stories where improved accessibility to diabetic medications has positively impacted individuals in managing their weight and related health conditions?

“Mr MB is a regular customer at our pharmacy, he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes less than 6 months ago and is on Metformin. Couple of months ago he had a fall and he was having difficulty coming to the pharmacy to get his medication. We signed him up on MedAdvisor and arranged him for free delivery service for his medication. This improved accessibility of medication helped him to stay in target HbA1c range as he could take his medication more regularly without missing his dose. He was also involved in lifestyle modifications in line with our counselling, which helped him to lose about 6 kgs of his weight. Overall he has improved the overall quality of life.”

How do you currently manage the supply and availability of NDSS medications in your pharmacy?

“Currently we process the NDSS products through their portal and we get replenishment of the supplies automatically through the wholesaler. The privately purchased supplies are ordered through our wholesaler separately.”

In your experience, what role can technology, such as the MedAdvisor app, play in streamlining the process of ordering and managing NDSS medications?

“Definitely it is way easier to manage and order supplies through the MedAdvisor app as it gives the flexibility to not only order but also pay via app.”

Can you share any tips or best practices for patients to ensure they have a consistent supply of their NDSS medications?

“We can set up a reminder for the medications so that customers can get a buzz when they are due for it to ensure consistent supply.”

We also had a chat with Rosie, a pharmacist at Vermont South Pharmacy. Here's what she had to say:

Can you share any tips or best practices for patients to ensure they have a consistent supply of their NDSS medications?

"To ensure you do not forget to order NDSS medications when needed:

Use an app such as medadvisor which prompts you to order your NDSS items when they are expected to be running low!
Put a reminder in your calendar or calendar app on your phone for the date you expect to run out of NDSS items.
Each time you serve a diabetic patient in the community setting, ask them how they are going with their NDSS items and offer to process any they require."

How do you currently manage the supply and availability of NDSS medications in your pharmacy?

"NDSS Medications and products are supplied by pharmacists or dispensary technicicans in our pharmacy. Widely used NDSS items are kept in stock in the dispensary, where they are processed through NDSS and supplied to NDSS patients upon request. Items kept in stock include testing strips and needles. NDSS products less widely used, such as continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump equipment is processed through NDSS and ordered in on an 'as required' basis in our pharmacy."

In your experience, what role can technology, such as the MedAdvisor app, play in streamlining the process of ordering and managing NDSS medications?

"MedAdvisor plays an important role in NDSS medication management, primarily for patients who use CGM or insulin pumps, which are items we do not keep in regular stock. The medadvisor app allows patients to request an order to be processed through NDSS, so that when they come in to store, their desired products have been ordered and are ready for supply."

Patients who have undergone diabetes meds checks at our pharmacy and have been provided with a printed list of medicines have reported having increased confidence in their diabetes medications, including which tablets to take when, ensuring they have all medicines on hand when required, and overall managing their diabetes more effectively.

Here at Medadvisor, we love connecting with others in the healthcare industry and would like to thank Radika and Rosie for their extremely helpful input! You can reach out and follow Cincotta Discount Chemist, Dickson and Vermont South Pharmacy on Facebook for more information and tips.

Frequently Ask Questions About Diabetes

What's the most popular medication for Diabetes?

Metformin is most commonly prescribed to those with Type 2 diabetes. Simply put, it helps control blood sugar levels by improving the way your body handles insulin.

What's the pill for type 2 Diabetes?

There are several pills available for Type 2 diabetes, including Metformin, Sulfonylureas, and DPP-4 inhibitors. Remember that your doctor will prescribe the most suitable one based on your health condition and needs. Everyone's health is unique and needs to be treated that way.

Does Diabetes medication help you lose weight?

It has been known that some diabetes medications, like Metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, can contribute to weight loss. But it is important to remember, these medications aren't weight loss drugs! They work best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

During National Diabetes Week 2023, it’s important for us all to remember that awareness and acknowledgment is always the first step! It may be you experiencing diabetes or someone that you know, at the end of the day we all can play a large part in helping ourselves and others make healthy choices that can directly impact Diabetes.

MedAdvisor is here to support you or your loved ones on this journey. Our easy-to-use app empowers you to take control of your health! Making medication management a breeze. To discover more about how MedAdvisor is revolutionising healthcare for people with diabetes, visit our services page.

Remember, every step counts when it comes to managing diabetes. So, let's unite against diabetes, not just this week, but every day of the year. Because every step we take brings us closer to a healthier future.

Start managing your NDSS medications & download the app for free today!

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice.