A Community-Based Pilot Study of a Diabetes Pharmacist Intervention in Latinos: Impact on Weight and Hemoglobin A1c

Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects Latinos increasing their risk of diabetes-related complications. This study used a randomized controlled design with a community-based approach to evaluate the impact of a culturally tailored pharmacist intervention on clinical outcomes in Latino diabetics. The intervention included a focused discussion and two individual pharmacist counseling sessions on medication, nutrition, exercise, and self-care to promote behavior changes. Sessions were culturally adapted for language, diet, family participation, and cultural beliefs. Clinical outcomes were measured at baseline and three months. Nineteen intervention and 24 control participants completed the study. Mean BMI reduction was greater for intervention than for control group participants (-0.73 +/- 0.07 kg/m(2) versus + 0.37 +/- 0.02 kg/m(2) p<.009 respectively). Hemoglobin A1c was significantly reduced by 0.93 +/- 0.45% in the intervention group only. There was no significant difference in blood glucose, blood pressure, or lipid levels. An innovative culturally-sensitive pharmacist intervention improved selected clinical outcomes among Latino diabetics.