Bridging the Gap in Type 1 Diabetes Care: The Role of Clinical Pharmacists
Abstract
Background: The management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has traditionally been led by endocrinologists. However, a growing T1DM population, coupled with a declining number of endocrinologists, has shifted much of the responsibility to primary care providers (PCPs), many of whom report low confidence in managing T1DM and evolving insulin delivery technologies. While pharmacist involvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) care is well established, their role in T1DM management remains underexplored. This study evaluates the impact of clinical pharmacists on glycemic control in T1DM patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted using data from the State of Franklin Healthcare Associates electronic health record (EHR) portal in Johnson City, TN. Patients included were adults (≥18 years) with T1DM, referred by their PCP to a clinical pharmacist between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Clinical pharmacists were responsible delivering patient education and adjusting insulin delivery. Eligibility required at least two medical evaluations per year and at least one pharmacist consultation. The primary outcome was the change in glycated hemoglobin (A1c) following an initial pharmacist visit, analyzed using a paired t-test in SPSS. Results: Of 84 patient charts reviewed, 47 met inclusion criteria. The mean baseline A1c was 8.8%, decreasing to 8.2% at 3–6 months post-consultation, with a mean reduction of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.12–1.00, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Pharmacist-led interventions in T1DM care were associated with statistically significant A1c reductions, highlighting the potential role of clinical pharmacists in addressing gaps in diabetes management. Expanding pharmacist involvement may improve outcomes for this growing patient population.
Start Time
16-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 11:30 AM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Clinical Doctoral Student (e.g., medical student, pharmacy student)
Faculty Mentor
Rick Hess
Faculty Department
Pharmacy Practice
Bridging the Gap in Type 1 Diabetes Care: The Role of Clinical Pharmacists
Background: The management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has traditionally been led by endocrinologists. However, a growing T1DM population, coupled with a declining number of endocrinologists, has shifted much of the responsibility to primary care providers (PCPs), many of whom report low confidence in managing T1DM and evolving insulin delivery technologies. While pharmacist involvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) care is well established, their role in T1DM management remains underexplored. This study evaluates the impact of clinical pharmacists on glycemic control in T1DM patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted using data from the State of Franklin Healthcare Associates electronic health record (EHR) portal in Johnson City, TN. Patients included were adults (≥18 years) with T1DM, referred by their PCP to a clinical pharmacist between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Clinical pharmacists were responsible delivering patient education and adjusting insulin delivery. Eligibility required at least two medical evaluations per year and at least one pharmacist consultation. The primary outcome was the change in glycated hemoglobin (A1c) following an initial pharmacist visit, analyzed using a paired t-test in SPSS. Results: Of 84 patient charts reviewed, 47 met inclusion criteria. The mean baseline A1c was 8.8%, decreasing to 8.2% at 3–6 months post-consultation, with a mean reduction of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.12–1.00, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Pharmacist-led interventions in T1DM care were associated with statistically significant A1c reductions, highlighting the potential role of clinical pharmacists in addressing gaps in diabetes management. Expanding pharmacist involvement may improve outcomes for this growing patient population.