Community pharmacy-led diabetes management using continuous glucose monitors can significantly improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes not using insulin. A 12-week pilot study of 30 adults in South Korea found that 37% achieved excellent blood sugar control, with average HbA1c dropping by 0.70% and time spent in healthy blood sugar range increasing by 5.8 percentage points. According to Gram Research analysis, pharmacist-led counseling combined with glucose monitoring offers a practical, accessible approach to diabetes management.
A new study shows that community pharmacies can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar better using continuous glucose monitors—small devices that track blood sugar throughout the day. Researchers in South Korea worked with 30 adults whose diabetes wasn’t well-controlled despite taking oral medications. Over 12 weeks, pharmacists provided counseling on medication, exercise, and nutrition while patients used glucose monitors connected to a digital health app. About 37% of participants achieved excellent blood sugar control, and everyone showed meaningful improvements. According to Gram Research analysis, this pharmacy-based approach offers a practical way to help more people manage their diabetes without needing insulin injections.
Key Statistics
A 12-week pilot study of 30 adults with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes found that 37% achieved excellent blood sugar control (HbA1c ≤7.0% with meaningful reduction) when managed through community pharmacies using continuous glucose monitors.
In a 2026 South Korean pilot study of 30 type 2 diabetes patients, continuous glucose monitoring combined with pharmacy-led counseling reduced HbA1c by 0.70% (p<0.001) and increased time in healthy blood sugar range by 5.8 percentage points.
A community pharmacy-based diabetes management program showed that improvements in blood sugar control appeared by week 3 and were sustained through week 12, with all 30 participants completing the 12-week intervention.
Research shows that among 30 adults with type 2 diabetes managed through pharmacies with continuous glucose monitors, longer diabetes duration independently predicted better response to the program (adjusted OR=1.24 per year, p=0.040).
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether community pharmacists can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar better using continuous glucose monitors and personalized coaching.
- Who participated: 30 adults in South Korea with type 2 diabetes that wasn’t well-controlled despite taking oral medications (pills, not insulin). All participants completed the 12-week program.
- Key finding: Blood sugar levels (HbA1c) dropped by 0.70% on average, and 37% of participants achieved excellent blood sugar control. Time spent in the healthy blood sugar range increased by 5.8 percentage points.
- What it means for you: If your diabetes isn’t well-controlled with medication alone, visiting a pharmacy-based diabetes program with a glucose monitor might help you achieve better blood sugar control without needing insulin. Results typically appear within 3 weeks and continue improving over 12 weeks.
The Research Details
This was a pilot feasibility study, which means researchers tested whether a new approach could work before doing a larger study. All 30 participants received the same pharmacy-based diabetes management program for 12 weeks. Participants wore continuous glucose monitors (small devices that stick to the skin and measure blood sugar every few minutes) and used a digital health app to track their readings. Pharmacists provided personalized counseling on taking medications correctly, exercising, and eating healthy foods. Researchers measured blood sugar control at the start and after 12 weeks using standard diabetes tests.
The study took place across 11 community pharmacies in South Korea, making it a real-world test of whether this approach could work in regular pharmacy settings. Participants had stable medication routines before starting, meaning they weren’t making major medication changes during the study. This helped researchers understand whether the glucose monitoring and counseling—not medication changes—caused the improvements.
This research design is important because it tests whether pharmacists (not just doctors) can effectively help manage diabetes. Community pharmacies are convenient and accessible to most people, making this approach potentially more practical than requiring frequent doctor visits. By using continuous glucose monitors, pharmacists could see exactly how each person’s blood sugar responded to food, exercise, and medication, allowing for truly personalized advice.
This is a small pilot study with 30 participants, so results should be viewed as promising but not definitive. The study had no control group (people receiving usual care), which means we can’t be completely sure the improvements came from the pharmacy program rather than other factors. However, all 30 participants completed the program, suggesting it was acceptable and feasible. The improvements appeared quickly (by week 3) and stayed consistent, which strengthens confidence in the findings. The study was registered in a clinical trial database before starting, which is a sign of good research practices.
What the Results Show
The main goal was for participants to achieve three things by week 12: blood sugar below 7.0%, a meaningful drop in blood sugar levels, and spending more than 70% of the day in the healthy blood sugar range. About 37% of participants achieved all three goals—a solid success rate for a new program.
On average, blood sugar levels (measured by HbA1c) dropped by 0.70%, which is a meaningful improvement. This decrease was statistically significant, meaning it’s very unlikely to have happened by chance. Time spent in the healthy blood sugar range (70-180 mg/dL) increased by 5.8 percentage points on average. Time spent with dangerously low blood sugar remained stable, showing the program was safe and didn’t cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar episodes).
Improvements started appearing by week 3 and continued through week 12, suggesting the program had a sustained effect rather than just a temporary boost. Interestingly, people who had diabetes for longer actually responded better to the program, with each additional year of diabetes associated with better outcomes.
Beyond the main results, researchers found that time above the healthy blood sugar range decreased, meaning fewer high blood sugar episodes. All 30 participants completed the full 12-week program without dropping out, indicating the program was practical and acceptable. The integration with a national digital health record system appeared to work smoothly, suggesting this approach could be scaled to other pharmacies.
Previous research has shown that continuous glucose monitors help people with type 1 diabetes (the insulin-dependent type) manage their condition better. This study extends that finding to type 2 diabetes managed without insulin, which is important because most people with diabetes have type 2. The pharmacy-led approach is newer; most diabetes management happens in doctor’s offices or hospitals. This study suggests pharmacists can be effective diabetes educators and managers, which aligns with growing evidence that pharmacists play important roles in managing chronic diseases.
The biggest limitation is the small sample size (30 people) and lack of a comparison group. We can’t be certain the improvements came from the pharmacy program versus other factors like seasonal changes or increased attention to health. The study only lasted 12 weeks, so we don’t know if improvements continue long-term. All participants were in South Korea, so results might differ in other countries with different healthcare systems. The study didn’t track whether people continued the program or maintained improvements after the 12 weeks ended. Finally, this was a pilot study designed to test feasibility, not to provide definitive proof that the program works.
The Bottom Line
If you have type 2 diabetes that isn’t well-controlled with medication alone, ask your doctor or pharmacist about community pharmacy-based diabetes management programs using continuous glucose monitors. This approach appears safe and effective based on current evidence (moderate confidence level for a pilot study). Work with your healthcare team to ensure any new program complements your existing treatment plan. Don’t stop or change medications without medical guidance.
This research is most relevant for adults with type 2 diabetes taking oral medications whose blood sugar remains above target despite medication. People with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) or those already using insulin should consult their doctors before considering this approach. Healthcare systems and pharmacies interested in expanding diabetes services should pay attention to this feasibility model.
Based on this study, expect to see initial improvements within 3 weeks of starting the program. Meaningful blood sugar improvements typically develop over the full 12-week period. However, this was a short-term study, so long-term benefits beyond 12 weeks remain unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pharmacists help manage type 2 diabetes as well as doctors?
A 2026 pilot study suggests pharmacists can effectively manage type 2 diabetes using continuous glucose monitors and counseling. About 37% of participants achieved excellent blood sugar control, with average HbA1c dropping 0.70%. However, pharmacists typically work alongside doctors, not as replacements.
How long does it take to see improvements from continuous glucose monitoring?
This study found improvements appeared within 3 weeks and continued through 12 weeks. Average HbA1c dropped 0.70% by week 12, with time in healthy blood sugar range increasing 5.8 percentage points. Long-term benefits beyond 12 weeks remain unknown.
Is continuous glucose monitoring safe for people not using insulin?
Yes, according to this study. Time below range (dangerously low blood sugar) remained stable throughout the 12-week program, confirming safety. No serious low blood sugar episodes were reported among the 30 participants.
Who would benefit most from pharmacy-based diabetes management?
Adults with type 2 diabetes taking oral medications whose blood sugar remains above target despite medication appear to benefit most. This study included people with HbA1c ≥6.5%. Those with longer diabetes duration showed better responses to the program.
What’s included in pharmacy-led diabetes management programs?
Based on this study, programs include continuous glucose monitoring, personalized counseling on medication use, exercise recommendations, and nutrition guidance. Readings connect to a digital health app for tracking and sharing with your pharmacist during regular check-ins.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log your continuous glucose monitor readings daily and track your average time in range (percentage of day with blood sugar between 70-180 mg/dL). Set a goal to increase this by 5-10 percentage points over 12 weeks, matching the improvements seen in this study.
- Use the app to record what you eat, when you exercise, and how you feel at different blood sugar levels. Review patterns weekly with your pharmacist to identify which foods and activities help keep your blood sugar in range. Adjust meals and exercise based on real glucose data rather than guessing.
- Check your HbA1c (average blood sugar over 3 months) every 3 months with your doctor. Between tests, use the app to track weekly average glucose and time in range. Share these reports with your pharmacist during monthly check-ins to adjust your nutrition and exercise plan based on what’s working.
This research is a small pilot study (30 participants) without a control group, so results are promising but not definitive. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new diabetes management program, changing medications, or using continuous glucose monitors. Do not stop or modify diabetes medications without medical guidance. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual results may vary based on personal health factors, medications, and lifestyle.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.