If you are one of the 2.4 million Canadians with diabetes, you may sometimes wish there were someone knowledgeable to answer your questions about successfully managing the condition. While your doctor is willing to address your concerns, he or she may not always be available. London Drugs Certified Diabetes Educators are here to help...
A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a health care professional who specializes in caring for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with this condition, the CDE can help you better understand the nature and causes of diabetes and how best to manage it. This includes the proper use of testing techniques, the use of medications that control diabetes, and the dietary and lifestyle changes that will help you feel and be your best.
To become a CDE, a pharmacist must first take an exam administered by The Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification Board, to demonstrate his or her experience and excellence in diabetes education. The passing of this exam also ensures that the CDE possesses the knowledge, abilities and skill required to practise safely and effectively.
The London Drugs CDE
A number of London Drugs CDEs are available to help you gain a better perspective on diabetes management. If you have been newly diagnosed with the condition, or have questions concerning its ongoing management, you may wish to set up an appointment with a CDE, at a store that is convenient for you. (At the present time, not all London Drugs locations have a CDE on staff. Please enquire at your local London Drugs pharmacy to determine if there is a CDE on staff in your area.)
During your consultation at one of our privacy booths, the CDE can explain the many helpful services London Drugs provides for people with diabetes. These include information on nutritional options; referral to other health professionals within the community—such as podiatrists—when required; help with insulin pump therapy, and the use of a safe syringe disposal system. Of course, since the London Drugs CDE is first and foremost a pharmacist, he or she will be able to inform you of new developments in oral medications, insulin advancements and treatment regimens.
Perhaps one of the services most appreciated by our customers with diabetes, is the CDE’s ability to follow up on treatment regimens to make sure everything is going well for you, and to recommend changes if improvements could be made.
“Customers with diabetes are often surprised to learn of all the services London Drugs provides for their benefit,” says Phil, a CDE at the Gibsons, B.C. location. “And because we keep up-todate on all aspects of diabetes, we can often help out in unexpected ways.” One customer was very concerned about the financial burden of purchasing diabetes supplies and was pleased to learn from Phil about the Diabetes and Disability Tax Credit available through the federal government. Another customer was concerned about the natural health supplements she was taking and whether they would interfere with the way her body processed glucose. “We are able to answer these questions because we keep up with all that is new in the world of diabetes,” says Phil.
Working within the community
The knowledge and experience of London Drugs CDEs is not only appreciated by pharmacy customers. CDEs also perform a valuable service within the community.
“As a CDE I have been asked by local diabetic support groups to make presentations on various topics,” says Phil. “It has allowed me to develop productive relationships both inside and outside of the pharmacy with patients and other health care professionals.”
Phil, and other London Drugs CDEs, also foster strong working relationships with local doctors, helping with diabetesrelated questions and patient care management.