Understanding Diabetes
The more you know, the better you will be at managing your diabetes. Our pharmacist can advise you on glucose management, glucose meters, personal care plans, diabetes log books, and overall diabetes care.
Diabetes Care
Pharmacists are accessible health care providers in your community and are an excellent source of health information and support. We can help you manage your diabetes through prescription, education and information services that will help provide a better lifestyle for yourself and your family.
Prescription Services
We offer a full line of insulin and prescription medications and a complete computer record of all your prescriptions and diabetes supplies. Our pharmacist can also advise about possible side effects, interaction with food and other medications.
Educational Services
Our pharmacists can answer your questions about insulin management, blood glucose testing and insulin pumps. We have Diabetes Meter Trainers at many locations to help you learn more about blood glucose meters so your choice suits your needs and lifestyle.
Glucose Management
It’s difficult to control diabetes without knowing your blood glucose level, and the only way to know that is to test your blood regularly. Our pharmacist can help you learn about the latest in glucose testing technology.
How often should you test?*
Using insulin more than once a day -- At least 3 times per day (include before and meal tests).
Type 2 diabetes, using insulin once per day - At least once per day, at variable times.
Type 2 diabetes, not using insulin – in target range --- Infrequent testing may be appropriate.
Type 2 diabetes, not using insulin - not well controlled --- Periodic before/after meal measurements.
For additional information on glucose monitoring, check out this interactive tool from Diabetes Canada:
Note* Confirm your testing schedule at each visit with your health care provider. Always ask if you're unsure.
Blood Sugar Target Range**
Target for most with diabetes
Before Meal
Before Meal
4.0 - 7.0mmol/L
After Meal
5.0 - 10.0mmol/L
Note** Check with your healthcare professional on what target range is best for you. Targets should be individualized based on age, duration of diabetes, risk of severe hypoglycemia, presence or absence of cardiovascular disease and life expectancy.
Have questions about glucose management? Find a Certified Diabetes Educator
Personal Care Plans
as unique as you are
as unique as you are
Get one-on-one support from our Certified Diabetes Educator Pharmacist (at some locations). Ask about opportunities to meet individually with one in your area.
Here's what to expect from a personal care plan:
- Diabetes Management Plan
- Ensure your medications are working for you
- Understand insulin types and injection technique
- Review technology specific to diabetes management
- Learn how blood pressure affects your diabetes and more
Additional Services
Everything you need to manage your diabetes, under one roof!
Sharps Disposal
Our pharmacy offers complimentary sharps disposal. Ask for a sharps container, then bring it back to us when full and exchange for another.
Diabetes log books
Easily track your blood glucose tests, insulin and more – all in one place.
Managing Diabetes magazine
Ask for an issue of this magazine for helpful, up-to-date information on the things you care about.
