Impact of pharmacist-led diabetes education on capillary blood glucose and self- efficacy in a single-center community pharmacy: A prospective controlled study

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major chronic disease requiring long-term glycemic control and patient self-management. Community pharmacists may contribute to diabetes care through structured educational interventions. Objective To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led diabetes education program delivered in community pharmacies on capillary blood glucose levels and diabetes-related self-efficacy among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods This prospective controlled quasi-experimental study was conducted in a single community pharmacy in Erzurum, Türkiye. Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving oral antidiabetic therapy and/or insulin were assigned to either a pharmacist-led education group or a control group receiving standard pharmacy care. The intervention consisted of monthly face-to-face educational sessions over six months. Capillary blood glucose levels were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Diabetes-related self-efficacy was assessed using the Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale. Results Eighty participants completed the study (intervention n = 40; control n = 40). Mean capillary glucose levels decreased in the intervention group from 253 ± 62 mg/dL at baseline to 168 ± 31 mg/dL at six months, whereas the control group showed a modest reduction from 204 ± 52 mg/dL to 200 ± 50 mg/dL. Between-group comparisons demonstrated lower glucose levels in the intervention group. Diabetes-related self-efficacy also improved significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (mean change 11.95 ± 5.33 points vs. 2.07 ± 2.18 points). Conclusion Structured pharmacist-led diabetes education delivered in community pharmacies improved glycemic control and diabetes-related self-efficacy compared with standard care.