A review on the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus complications and the role of the pharmacist

Diabetes mellitus is a growing global public health problem, which has been on the increase for the past decade. If left untreated or inadequately treated, it leads to an array of systemic complications, which lead to increased morbidity and premature mortality. This article focuses on the prevention and management of these complications through a multidisciplinary team approach, as well as patient and community involvement. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies are discussed for the prevention of diabetic complications. The article further describes the role of the pharmacist in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications. The role of the pharmacist has significantly changed from the traditional role that focused only on medicine supply and, to some extent, patient counselling to a more patient-centred pharmaceutical care approach that is delivered in a cost effective manner.