Pharmacists Are Central to Supervalu Diabetes Campaign
Supervalu’s diabetes campaign offers risk assessments, screening, and food education.
The diabetes risk assessments performed by pharmacists are central to grocery wholesaler and retailer Supervalu’s 10th annual My Diabetes Coach campaign, which runs through June 17.
The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the risks of diabetes and help those who have diabetes better manage their disease, according to a statement from Supervalu, based in Eden Prairie, MN.
At Cub Foods, Hornbacher’s, Farm Fresh, Shoppers, or Shop ‘n Save pharmacies, customers can get a free diabetes risk assessment performed by a pharmacist, followed by a free glucose screening for those who are found to be at risk for the disease. Customers do not need appointments for this risk assessment; in fact, Supervalu encourages them to walk in whenever they like.
Pharmacists are also conducting classes for patients with diabetes, including four one-on-one education sessions. Free A1c tests, cholesterol tests, and BMI assessments are offered during the individual sessions.
Supervalu pharmacies’ diabetes risk assessment consists of seven general health questions. Based on an individual’s answers, the pharmacist may recommend and administer a free blood glucose test.
“A simple finger-stick provides immediate results and categorizes blood glucose within a range of normal to high limits. Those whose level is considered high are urged to consult with their physicians for further testing,” Supervalu said in a statement.
Supervalu pharmacists also play a central role in free 90-minute tours of the grocery store that it offers to diabetics. A specially trained pharmacist and a registered dietitian take customers on the tours, teaching them how to read food labels and make nutritious choices when food shopping.
“Diabetes is a serious condition that can significantly impact quality of life, which is why early detection and proper care are so important,” said Steve McCann, Vice President of Pharmacy for Supervalu. “Through the My Diabetes Coach program, our goal is to help people learn to prevent or live well with the disease.”
During the store tours, participants receive a reusable shopping bag and a coupon for $5 off any Wild Harvest food item, a line of foods that do not contain any of 100 undesirable ingredients, according to Supervalu, and most of which are certified organic. The store tours are open to anyone, but Supervalu encourages those who have been diagnosed with diabetes to participate, along with the friends and family who provide support to that individual.
