Empowering Diabetes Care with Personalized, Accessible Help from Your Local Pharmacist in Richmond Hill
Managing diabetes isn’t just about medication—it’s about building a care team that understands your needs, monitors your progress, and supports your lifestyle. And one of the most accessible, underused resources in diabetes care? Your local pharmacist.
At Viva Health Pharmacy in Richmond Hill, we specialize in comprehensive diabetes support, helping patients navigate everything from glucose monitoring and insulin training to foot care and medication reviews—all in one convenient location.
Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed or are adjusting your long-term routine, here’s what you need to know about pharmacy-based diabetes care.
The Expanding Role of Pharmacists in Diabetes Care
Pharmacists are no longer just dispensing medication. Today, they’re key healthcare providers who play an active role in chronic disease management, especially for diabetes.
Here’s what pharmacists at Viva Health Pharmacy can help you with:
- Conducting detailed medication reviews
- Recommending dose adjustments with your physician
- Training on glucose meters, CGMs, and insulin pens
- Offering diet and lifestyle coaching
- Monitoring potential side effects and drug interactions
- Coordinating with your healthcare team for seamless care
According to Diabetes Canada, pharmacist-led interventions can significantly reduce HbA1c (a key marker of blood sugar control), reduce complications, and improve medication adherence.
What Pharmacy-Based Diabetes Support Looks Like at Viva
Our diabetes care is designed to be practical, walk-in friendly, and OHIP-supported. Here’s how we help:
1. Medication Reviews & Insulin Support
- We assess whether your current medications are still effective and safe.
- We help prevent overlapping drugs, duplications, or missed refills.
- If you’re on insulin, we review timing, units, storage, and injection technique.
Many of our patients benefit from switching to more appropriate therapies—especially newer classes like GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors, based on their health profile.
2. Blood Glucose Monitoring Support
- Training on glucose meters and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
- Guidance on when to test, how to interpret results, and how to log readings
- Assistance selecting the right testing strips for your device and insurance
3. Insulin Pen Demonstration & Injection Technique
- Step-by-step training on how to use an insulin pen
- Avoiding pain, bruising, and dosage errors
- Guidance on rotating injection sites and safe disposal of sharps
4. Foot Care & Risk Screening
- Education on diabetic foot care: washing, drying, moisturizing
- Checking for nerve damage (neuropathy), sores, or skin breakdown
- Referral to specialists if needed
5. Lifestyle Coaching & Goal Setting
- Recommendations on diet, activity, and stress management
- Support with weight loss and blood pressure control
- Custom health trackers available at the pharmacy counter
Who Benefits Most from Pharmacist Support?
Pharmacy-based diabetes support isn’t just for one type of patient—it’s for anyone living with or caring for diabetes:
| Patient Type | How We Help |
|---|---|
| Newly diagnosed | Orientation, device demos, lifestyle support |
| Uncontrolled diabetes (high A1c) | Medication optimization, insulin review |
| Elderly patients | Polypharmacy review, safe dosing guidance |
| Parents/caregivers | Training on glucose testing for kids |
| People with mobility issues | In-home delivery, virtual consultations |
What to Expect During a Diabetes Visit at Viva
Here’s how a typical appointment looks:
- Walk in or call ahead to book a diabetes consult
- One-on-one discussion with our pharmacist (in English or Farsi)
- Medication and lifestyle review
- Training (e.g., insulin, meter, foot care)
- Receive a custom plan and follow-up reminders
Our approach is collaborative—we also communicate with your doctor when necessary to ensure your care stays consistent.
Are These Services Covered?
Yes—most diabetes support services at Viva are covered by OHIP or your private insurance.
- MedsCheck Diabetes Reviews are OHIP-funded for eligible patients
- Glucose meter training and insulin demos are free with supplies
- Foot care education and pharmacist follow-ups are also complimentary
If you’re unsure about coverage, just ask—we’ll help clarify.
Why Choose Viva Health Pharmacy?
We’re more than a pharmacy. We’re a community care centre dedicated to whole-person support.
| Feature | Viva Health Pharmacy |
|---|---|
| Certified pharmacist consultations | ✅ Yes |
| OHIP-covered diabetes reviews | ✅ Yes |
| Blood glucose monitor & insulin training | ✅ Yes |
| Personalized care in English & Farsi | ✅ Yes |
| Free medication delivery in Richmond Hill | ✅ Yes |
| Coordination with Viva Health Centre doctors | ✅ Yes |
Whether you need a new testing kit or just someone to help explain your numbers—we’re here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription or doctor’s note to get help with my diabetes?
No referral is needed! Walk in or book an appointment anytime.
Can I get help with setting up my new glucose meter or CGM?
Yes! We provide hands-on training for meters, CGMs (like FreeStyle Libre), and insulin pens.
Is there any cost to getting a diabetes medication review?
No, MedsCheck for Diabetes is 100% covered by OHIP if you’re on any diabetes medication.
Do you deliver medications?
Yes. We offer free delivery in Richmond Hill and surrounding areas.
Can you help with Ozempic or Trulicity training?
Absolutely. We help with GLP-1 medication handling and injection support.
Resources & Helpful Links
- Diabetes Canada – Living with Diabetes
- Ontario Pharmacists Association – Diabetes Care
- Viva Health Centre – Diabetes Services
📞 Ready to Get Support?
Managing diabetes is a journey—but you don’t have to walk it alone. Our pharmacists are ready to help you feel confident, supported, and in control of your health.
📍 Visit us at: 9580 Yonge St Unit 5, Richmond Hill
📞 Call: 905-237-5567
