Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent metabolic disorder in the Arab world. Uncontrolled DM is associated with serious microvascular and macrovascular complications. Reduction of such complications can be achieved by good glycemic control through utilization of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Patient education programs can improve treatment outcomes. Thus, the present study reviewed articles that evaluate pharmacist’s interventional (educational/care) programs in the management of diabetic patients in Arab countries in order to quantify benefits of such programs. A careful manual literature search was done in PubMed and Google Scholar for clinical trials that focus on the role of the pharmacist in care, education, or management of all types of DM in Arab countries. Information from these studies was summarized in relation to general study characteristics (study design and area of study); description of study population, sample size, and the type and components of pharmaceutical intervention; follow-up time, frequency, and duration of contact moments during intervention; and assessment criteria, results, and conclusions. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Six studies were included in this review. The included studies were conducted in four Arabic countries, two in Jordan and United Arab Emirates, and one each in Sudan and Iraq. Five studies assessed the benefits of implementing pharmaceutical interventions (pharmaceutical-led patient care or education) among type 2 DM patients and only one study assessed such benefits among patients with gestational DM. Follow-up of patients ranged from 15 weeks to 12 months. Only one study had a high risk of bias. All studies showed a significant improvement in patient knowledge, adherence to treatment, and glycemic control. Pharmacists’ interventions in the management of DM patients in Arab countries tend to result in positive outcomes such as enhanced patient knowledge, greater adherence to treatment, and eventually better glycemic, lipid, and blood pressure control.
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