Stepping up : a pharmacist’s role in managing diabetes and foot ulcers

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant global health problem, with over 537 million adults affected in 2021. A crucial complication of DM is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which result from nerve damage and impaired circulation, leading to loss of function and high medical costs. The role of pharmacists in managing diabetes and DFUs has evolved from strictly dispensing medication to being healthcare providers that are actively involved in patient education on glycaemic control, wound care strategies, and promotion of medication adherence. Treatment of DFUs is mainly focused on maintaining a moist wound environment, preventing infection and pressure offloading. This article highlights the essential role of pharmacists in a multidisciplinary healthcare team to enhance patient outcomes by applying their expertise to reduce diabetes-related complications such as DFUs.