Impact of pharmacist advice on metabolic syndrome

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pharmacist intervention on lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatment in overweight and obese patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. METHOD: Patients were recruited from the community setting according to the International Diabetes Federation definition inclusion criteria for metabolic syndrome. Anthropometric and biochemical tests were performed at baseline (t=0). Patients were assessed for medication compliance, occurrence of side-effects, lifestyle and risk factors using a questionnaire. Patients were re-assessed three months after pharmacist intervention (t=1). KEY FINDINGS: A total of 35 patients participated in the study. Following pharmacist intervention there was a statistically significant improvement in compliance to medications (p=0.005) and statistically significant reduction in occurrence of side-effects (p=0.009), weight (p=0.005), waist circumference (p=0.000), body mass index (p=0.005), fasting blood glucose (p=0.015), total cholesterol (p=0.001) and triglyceride (p=0.000) levels. CONCLUSION: Pharmacist intervention improved patient motivation to change their lifestyle. Pharmacists can play an important role in the management of metabolic syndrome.