Pharmacists are increasingly recognised as essential partners in diabetes care, offering services that go far beyond dispensing medications. From blood glucose monitoring and medication reviews to lifestyle advice and early detection of complications, community pharmacy is often the first and most frequent point of contact for people living with diabetes.
“Pharmacies are embedded in communities and trusted by patients,” National President Pharmacy Guild Australia Professor Trent Twomey said.
“They’re ideally placed to support people with diabetes in managing their condition day-to-day, and in preventing serious complications.”
In Queensland, community pharmacists are now managing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes under a structured pilot program. This includes initiating and adjusting medications, ordering pathology, and providing ongoing care in collaboration with GPs and specialists.
“These reforms are a game-changer,” Professor Twomey said.
“They mean faster access to care, especially in areas where wait times for doctors are long. They help ensure people with diabetes don’t fall through the cracks.”
The Guild is calling for national expansion of this model of care, supported by appropriate training, funding, and digital integration.
“Pharmacists have shown they want to do more and, in many places, they are ready to do more. Australians living with diabetes deserve nothing less.”
Diabetes Australia Group Chief Executive Justine Cain said for people living with diabetes, pharmacists are an important part of a supportive healthcare team which includes GPs, endocrinologists and diabetes educators.
“This National Diabetes Week we’re focusing on the prevention of type 2 diabetes and the prevention of complications from all types of diabetes. Australia is in the midst of a type 2 diabetes epidemic, with one person being diagnosed with the condition every 8 minutes.
“Pharmacists can help people understand their risks of developing the condition and also support people living with diabetes to manage it on a daily basis, alongside their GP, endocrinologist and diabetes educator,” Ms Cain said.
For more information on National Diabetes Week, visit www.diabetesaustralia.com.au.