Diabetic Foot Infections
As the most accessible health care professional, the pharmacist occupies a prime position in helping prevent DFI. Pharmacists should frequently remind their diabetic patients to wear socks and properly fitting closed-toe footwear, to moisturize and visually inspect their feet nightly, and to see a physician for evaluation of cracks, sores, and other injuries. Pharmacists should empower patients with diabetes to achieve optimal glucose and BP control through individualized diet and exercise and medication adherence, since worsening control contributes to the development of neuropathy, PVD, and infections. Once a foot infection develops, the pharmacist should engage with other health care professionals to select the most appropriate antimicrobial regimen for the patient, including dosage, route of administration, frequency, and duration of therapy. The pharmacist is also well positioned to assist in monitoring the efficacy and safety of the patient's prescribed antibiotic regimen.
The Pharmacist's Role
As the most accessible health care professional, the pharmacist occupies a prime position in helping prevent DFI. Pharmacists should frequently remind their diabetic patients to wear socks and properly fitting closed-toe footwear, to moisturize and visually inspect their feet nightly, and to see a physician for evaluation of cracks, sores, and other injuries. Pharmacists should empower patients with diabetes to achieve optimal glucose and BP control through individualized diet and exercise and medication adherence, since worsening control contributes to the development of neuropathy, PVD, and infections. Once a foot infection develops, the pharmacist should engage with other health care professionals to select the most appropriate antimicrobial regimen for the patient, including dosage, route of administration, frequency, and duration of therapy. The pharmacist is also well positioned to assist in monitoring the efficacy and safety of the patient's prescribed antibiotic regimen.