DIABETES MELLITUS: THE LABORATORY AND CLINICAL ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion and/or action. It is highly prevalent and has a significant impact on public health, requiring early diagnosis, continuous monitoring, and appropriate treatment. In this context, pharmacists are essential both in the laboratory, ensuring the quality and reliability of tests used for the diagnosis and monitoring of DM, and in clinical practice, through pharmacotherapeutic guidance, promoting treatment adherence, and health education. This study aims to analyze the role of pharmacists in the laboratory and clinical management of Diabetes Mellitus, highlighting their contribution to diagnosis, glycemic control, and improving patients' quality of life. The methodology is based on a descriptive, qualitative bibliographic review of scientific publications, guidelines from the Brazilian Diabetes Society (SBD), article and official documents from the Ministry of Health, published between 2015 and 2025. The results highlight the importance of the pharmacist in the accuracy of laboratory results, optimization of the rational use of medications, and continuous monitoring of diabetic patients, providing comprehensive care, enhancing the integration between clinical and laboratory services, and contributing to the improvement of therapeutic outcomes, as well as to health promotion.