Tips for dealing with DiabetesAuthor of the article: PNI Atlantic Published Jun 08, 2025 • Last updated 5 hours ago • 3 minute readTanya Howley, pharmacist: “For busy parents, it’s not always easy to juggle the responsibilities of work and home, especially when little ones get sick.” Photo by ContributedAs a pharmacist in our community I’ve had the privilege of supporting thousands of Cape Bretoners on their personal health journeys, including many who are managing diabetes.According to Nova Scotia Health, more than 106,000 Nova Scotians were living with diabetes in 2024, and Cape Breton has a particularly high prevalence of individuals diagnosed with the condition.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentMany people are surprised to learn that pharmacists can play an important role in the health-care team for those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Beyond filling prescriptions, we serve as a convenient point of contact between doctor visits.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.KEY TIPSHere 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 roles of diet and exercise in managing your Diabetes.Build your care team: Along with your doctor, your pharmacist can be a trusted and easily accessible health-care provider on your health journey. Pharmacists offer a range of services to help improve patient outcomes. This can be particularly valuable to those in rural or underserved areas where other health-care resources may be limited, or for patients who are unable to travel for care.Article contentSet goals: Lifestyle changes like adjusting your diet or starting an exercise routine can be challenging. Focus on one change at a time and celebrate small victories along the way.One of the challenges of managing diabetes is the need for consistent, ongoing care. That’s where your local pharmacist comes in. We are uniquely positioned to provide accessible and 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.PHARMACISTS HELPHere are some of the key ways that pharmacists like me can help Cape Bretoners who are living with diabetes:Medication questions: Pharmacists are medication experts. We can explain how your diabetes medications work, discuss potential side effects, and help you manage interactions with other drugs you may be taking. For individuals on insulin, pharmacists can provide detailed instructions on how to store, handle, and administer it.Article contentA1C 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.Counselling on lifestyle changes: Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress management play a significant role in managing diabetes. Pharmacists can provide practical advice tailored to your needs, whether it’s understanding food labels, creating an exercise routine, or managing stress.Diabetes education: Managing diabetes is about more than blood sugar – it’s about whole-body health. During a diabetes consultation, we can cover essential topics like eye health, foot care, nutrition, sick day management, vaccinations, preventing hypoglycemia, setting diabetes targets, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and proper injection site rotation. These are all key to staying healthy and preventing complications.Managing diabetes is a lifelong journey, and having the right information is empowering. If you haven’t already, consider visiting your local pharmacy to learn more about the services we have available for you, and especially if you have any concerns or questions. We are here to help!Tanya Howley is a pharmacist and owner of Shoppers Drug Mart in North Sydney. She was born and raised in Cape Breton and lives here with her family.Article content
Cape Breton pharmacist offers help with diabetes management
