RETAIL CHAIN RAISES DIABETES AWARENESS

In conjunction with November designatedDiabetes Awareness Month,CVS/pharmacy is educating patientson topics ranging from identifyingsymptoms and monitoring sugar levelsto managing medications andavoiding drug interactions and possibleside effects.

The retail chain has partnered with the AmericanDiabetes Association to produce the informationalmaterials available in pharmacies. In addition, 1500select CVS/pharmacy stores will offer support forpatients with diabetes through Meter Day events,which will include: blood glucose meter demonstrations.

?Our pharmacists play an active role in helping patientsmanage medications for chronic diseases, suchas diabetes, that can require constant monitoring,?said Registered Pharmacist Papatya Tankut, vice presidentof pharmacy professional services at CVS/pharmacy.?It?s important that patients take the time to talkwith their pharmacists, let them know about over-thecountermedicines and other prescriptions they aretaking, or advise them on any side effects they may beexperiencing. Pharmacists can provide counsel onmedication compliance, side effects, and potentialinteractions for patients who can in turn work towarda treatment plan with their doctor.?