Rub shoulders with Kerri Barwick MPS (centre) and other members of team PSA at CPC24[/caption]
The use of insulin, considered a high-risk medication with APINCHs classification,5 Ms Barwick notes, provides justification for a Home Medicines Review (HMR). ‘There’s an advantage to going into the home to observe the patient’s diet, consider potential interactions, and educate patients on the best effects and outcomes,’ she says.
Advice around cleaning blood glucose level (BGL) monitors to ensure accuracy can also be provided. ‘Pharmacists can explain how to put test drops through and clean blood spills on the monitor, common in pregnancy due to higher blood volume,’ says Ms Barwick.
With only 50% of women diagnosed with GDM receiving tests for heart disease and type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy,6 HMRs can be beneficial at this stage of the journey, too.
‘Along with conversations around diet choices, exercise regimes and sleep, I also explain how often testing is required over the next 5–10 years, and how to monitor for signs of the development of diabetes,’ Ms Barwick advises.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
The presence of iron in pregnancy multivitamins may exacerbate symptoms of nausea and vomiting in some pregnancies, according to Ms Barwick.
‘Pharmacists can recommend a trial cessation of the iron component of pregnancy vitamins, often unnecessary in pregnancy,’ she says.
In 2020, photographer Bobbi Lockyer created a Birthing on Country project to highlight and create awareness around birthing issues and outcomes in Aboriginal women. For more, see 
Suzanne Nielsen MPS[/caption]
Case Scenario
Romika, in her mid-20s, asks your advice about ongoing fatigue and pins and needles which she has had for several months. You recognise that her strict vegan diet increases her risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and that her symptoms are consistent with this. You refer her to her GP for blood tests. There is macrocytosis and her serum B12 level is equivocal. Her HoloTC levels are found to be 35 nmol/L, indicating likely B12 deficiency.
Learning ObjectivesAfter reading this article, pharmacists should be able to:
Competency (2016) standards addressed: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5 |
Already read the CPD in the journal? Scroll to the bottom to SUBMIT ANSWERS.
Introduction
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that humans obtain from their diet.1-6 Deficiency can cause serious haematological, neurological and psychiatric problems.1-6 Early diagnosis and treatment may reverse defici
THIS IS A CPD ARTICLE. YOU NEED TO BE A PSA MEMBER AND LOGGED IN TO READ MORE.
