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Diabetes management plans cannot be one-size-fits-all, according to Sara “Mandy” Reece, PharmD, dean and chief academic officer of the School of Pharmacy at PCOM Georgia.
Earlier this summer, Dr. Reece spoke at the 2025 Scientific Sessions during the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Conference, where she addressed this topic and the concept of a "Diabetes Care Deadlock,” that describes the myriad of challenges that can hinder effective diabetes care and can often leave people with diabetes feeling “stuck” with their medication regimes.
“Too often, people with diabetes face obstacles like medication adherence issues, complex treatment regimens, and device frustrations.”
Dr. Sara Mandy Reece, PharmD, Dean and Chief academic officer, the School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Reece said ,“That’s why it's critical to listen to the person with diabetes when they are expressing their pain points and empower them to ask their healthcare team questions about treatment alternatives that could improve their health and quality of life.”
With more than 15 years of experience studying this chronic disease, Dr. Reece has developed a holistic approach to address these challenges that incorporates medical, behavioral and technological interventions.
Creating an individualized diabetes management plan can often be done through simplifying care and de-prescribing medications. Reducing dosages or discontinuing certain treatments can help alleviate challenges associated with managing multiple prescriptions at once. This approach can be particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals receiving end-of-life care, as less intensive treatment options can ease daily discomfort and prolonged suffering.
The CDC reports people with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have depression, which is why Dr. Reece also emphasizes the importance of behavioral health in diabetes care plans. By addressing mental health issues like depression, as well as anxiety and needle phobia, people with diabetes are able to reduce their diabetes-related distress and prevent further treatment complications.
Using complementary technology can also be a way for people with diabetes to diversify their treatment plans.
Significant advancements have been made in diabetes management technology including enhanced continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), connected insulin pens and automated insulin delivery systems.
These tools have revolutionized diabetes care and have had a lasting impact on the person with diabetes who incorporate it into their daily lives.
While learning how to use new technologies can feel overwhelming, Dr. Reece recommends people with diabetes take a gradual approach to adopting these new tools and continuing to troubleshoot device settings in order to find the right solution that works best for them. This will build confidence and increase comfortability when exploring new devices in the future.
Dr. Reece’s work with diabetes management underscores her commitment to providing person-centered care. As advancements in treatment options and technology(1) continue to evolve, empowering people with diabetes to actively participate in their treatment plans will remain essential to providing better health outcomes and enhancing overall quality of life.
Reference:
1. https://www.pcom.edu/research/research-areas/nutrition-obesity-diabetes.html
(Newswise/VK)
