What To Look For In A Drugstore When Newly Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes

If you've recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you're not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 1 in 10 people in the United States is diabetic, with the majority of them having type 2 diabetes. If it's your first chronic medical diagnosis, you may not yet realize the importance of choosing a good drugstore. For diabetics, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, it's very beneficial to find one drugstore for all of your medication and supply needs. Here's what you need to know. 

The Ease of Familiarity

One of the main benefits of using the same drugstore for all of your prescriptions is that you won't have to try to remember exactly which pharmacy filled which prescription. Also, the pharmacists and pharmacy techs will get to know you and can keep tabs on your various prescriptions and determine if they are safe when taken together. Another huge benefit when you use one pharmacy is that you won't be delayed with requests for your profile and insurance information when you try to fill a new prescription. Your information will already be in the system. 

Offers Compounded Medication

Compounded medication is medication that is specially formulated for the patient, you. Any type of medication can be compounded, including oral, topical, and subcutaneous medications. There are several reasons someone with diabetes can benefit from using compounded medication:

• combining several oral medications into one dose reduces the risk of errors
• compounding a medication to eliminate allergens and ingredients the patient is sensitive to
• several wound healing medication can be combined for easier application

Be sure your profile is completely filled out so the compounding pharmacist can tailor your prescriptions specifically for you. 

Easy to Request Refills

When you are choosing which drugstore you will use regularly, find out what methods they've implemented for their customers to request refills to help you narrow down which one will be more convenient for you. If you prefer to speak with someone on the phone when you need refills, be sure they offer that option as some no longer do. Some have automated phone lines that allow you to leave your information without speaking with someone. Others may provide the ability to fill out a refill order online. It truly is up to your personal preferences. 

Carries Diabetic Supplies and Footwear

Given your diagnosis of diabetes type 2, it's important that the drugstore you choose provides supplies as well as footwear. Patients with type 2 diabetes require a supply of various items such as lancing devices and supplies and blood glucose meters and test strips. Supplies for wound care should be available as well for one-stop shopping. 

One of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes is the development of foot ulcers. It's important for you to take good care of your feet, which begins by wearing properly-fitted footwear. This is such a common ailment for diabetics that there are footwear specifically designed for diabetics, as well as inserts, arch supports, and orthotic devices that require a prescription. 

Provides Education to Customers

It's very likely that all of this is very overwhelming right now, which is why you want to look for a drugstore that provides education and educational materials to their customers. Most drugstores provide educational print-outs with every new prescription. Do they also offer to verbally answer any questions you have or provide an understandable explanation using layman's terminology? Do they provide educational classes? Do they have a phone line you can call at any time to ask questions regarding your supplies and/or medication? 

Finding a drugstore that meets all of your needs as a diabetic may help you become more familiar with your new diagnosis and the medication and supplies that you need for it.