25 Years of Pharmacist-Diabetologist Collaboration: A Successful Model
A joint commission of pharmacists and diabetologists in Germany celebrated its 25th anniversary. The collaboration, initiated in 1998, has significantly improved diabetes care.
The "Pharmacists in Diabetology Commission (BAK/DDG)", a joint body of the German Federal Pharmacy Chamber (BAK) and the German Diabetes Association (DDG), marked its 25th anniversary at the Diabetes Congress 2026. This collaboration has been instrumental in enhancing the care provided to individuals with diabetes.
Established originally in 1998 and evolving into its current form, the commission has focused on integrating pharmacists more effectively into diabetes management. The anniversary event also honored the contributions of former spokespersons, Professor Martin Schulz and Dr. Alexander Risse, for their long-standing commitment.
Professor Schulz highlighted findings on pharmaceutical care, emphasizing the role of pharmacies as accessible entry points into the healthcare system, which many patients visit more frequently than doctor's offices. Dr. Risse noted that the commission's founding was a milestone that fostered an equal footing between physicians and pharmacists, overcoming initial reservations.
BAK President Dr. Armin Hoffmann and former DDG President Professor Andreas Fritsche acknowledged the commission's quarter-century of operation, stressing the complementary roles of pharmacists and physicians in optimizing patient outcomes. The commission continues its work to further improve diabetes care in Germany.