Expert Discusses Changes in Diabetes Care | APhA 2025
Susan Cornell, PharmD, CDCES, FAPhA, FADCES, associate director of experiential education at the College of Pharmacy at Midwestern University, discusses recent advancements in diabetes care.
The diabetes management landscape has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with pharmacists playing a crucial role in understanding and implementing these changes, according to Susan Cornell, PharmD, CDCES, FAPhA, FADCES, associate director of experiential education at the College of Pharmacy at Midwestern University. Metformin is no longer the first-line therapy for diabetes, a shift that occurred in October 2022. This change reflects a broader understanding that diabetes management extends far beyond glucose control, encompassing cardiovascular, kidney, liver, and cognitive health.
The emergence of GLP-1 agents and SGLT-2 inhibitors represents a major breakthrough in diabetes treatment. These medications offer multiple benefits beyond traditional glucose management, including weight loss, stroke prevention, kidney and liver protection, and potential cognitive function improvement. Social media has amplified their popularity, particularly highlighting weight loss benefits, but their medical potential goes much deeper. They are increasingly viewed as comprehensive health agents that happen to lower blood sugar rather than simply diabetes medications.
Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) also evolved dramatically, becoming more accessible, portable, and technologically advanced. Modern CGM devices provide instant readings and can integrate with insulin pumps, essentially functioning as an external pancreas. This technology represents a significant step towards preventative health care, potentially helping patients avoid diabetes, obesity, and heart disease complications.
Pharmacists are uniquely positioned in this evolving landscape. They are not just medication dispensers but critical educators who can counsel patients about new medications, their benefits, potential adverse effects, and proper usage. The goal is proactive patient education, ensuring individuals understand their treatment and know when to seek professional guidance.
"For a person who's just diagnosed with diabetes...this is never a better time to have diabetes because what we have today is so advanced between medicine and technology," Cornell said. "Not only can you manage it, you could prevent a lot of the complications."
