(Stan Tsykov is a Pharmacist and the owner of your local Shoppers Drug Mart at 1300 Stittsville Main Street. Stittsville Central is pleased to share his expertise in health matters.)
As a pharmacist in Stittsville, I’ve supported many people living with diabetes. With nearly 4.7 million Ontarians affected by diabetes or prediabetes,1 pharmacists play a key role in care – offering guidance between doctor visits and helping patients manage their condition beyond just filling prescriptions.
Tips For Those Newly Diagnosed:
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, the news can feel overwhelming. However, with the right care plan and support system, you can take control of your health. Here are a few tips to get started:
- The more you know: Understanding your condition is key. Learn about the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, how insulin and blood sugar levels work, and the role of diet and exercise.
- Build your care team: Alongside your doctor, your pharmacist is a trusted, accessible healthcare provider offering more than prescription support. We provide diabetes education on diet, lifestyle, and exercise, and help monitor progress – especially valuable for patients in underserved areas or those with limited access to care.
How Pharmacists Can Support:
From providing education to helping you manage medications and lifestyle changes, pharmacists offer a wide range of support to help you achieve your health goals. Here are some of the key ways we can help:
- Counseling on lifestyle changes – Managing diabetes isn’t just about taking medications. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress management play a significant role.2 Pharmacists can provide practical advice tailored to your needs, whether it’s understanding food labels, creating an exercise routine, or managing stress.
- A1C and lipid testing – Regular lab tests are vital for diabetes management. Additional insights into how well your blood sugar levels are controlled between lab tests can come from self-monitoring A1C, or A1C and lipid testing done with your local pharmacist to help track progress between doctor’s visits. Lab tests are also important in order to make timely adjustments to your care plan, if
necessary. Your pharmacist can also help you monitor your blood pressure in addition to your BMI, which you can track on the PC Health App.
One of the challenges of managing diabetes is the need for consistent, ongoing care. That’s where your local pharmacist can help. We are uniquely positioned to provide accessible, personalized support that fits into your daily life.
With extended hours, pharmacies offer a convenient way to get the care you need, when you need it. If you haven’t already, consider visiting your local pharmacy to learn more about the services available to you. Whether it’s receiving counseling on heart health or simply having a conversation about your medications, we’re here to help.
Stan Tsykov is the pharmacist and owner at the local Shoppers Drug Mart in Stittsville. Visit ShoppersDrugMart.ca to find your nearest store.
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1 https://www.diabetes.ca/research-(1)/advocacy-reports/national-and-provincial-backgrounders/diabetes-in-ontario
2 https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes-(3)/lifestyle-management