How to become a ‘FITTER Pharmacist’

Welcome to PD’s weekly comment feature. This week’s contributor is Teresa Di Franco, Pharmacist and Credentialled Diabetes Educator, Perth Diabetes Care. OVER the past few weeks, I’ve spoken about the pharmacy’s role in supporting diabetes management. I’ve also spoken about the recent updates in relation to insulin injection techniques and needle lengths (or FITTER* recommendations), and how healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, need to provide support to their customers who inject their diabetes medication by adopting the Golden Rules.

Taking the time to initiate a conversation about injection technique with our customers can make a significant difference to their health and wellbeing. Simple questions can help uncover bad habits and put customers with diabetes on a path to better health.

Questions that ‘FITTER Pharmacists’ should ask include: •How often are you changing

your needle? •Do you know there are shorter needles now available that may be more comfortable to use? •When was the last time you saw a credentialled diabetes educator? •How often do you experience pain, bruising or bleeding when injecting your insulin or injectable medication? The FITTER recommendations, including the Golden Rules of Injection Technique, can be accessed HERE.

*FITTER stands for the Forum for Injection Technique & Therapy Expert Recommendations and is an international program sponsored by BD.