Episode 16 - Closing Remarks

As the panel discussion concludes, Peter Salgo, MD; Jeffrey D. Dunn, PharmD, MBA; Yehuda Handelsman, MD, FACP, FACE, FNLA; Maria Lopes, MD, MS; and Kari Uusinarkaus, MD, FAAFP, FNLA, share their final insights about managed care models and clinical and economic outcomes in diabetes and obesity.

Dr Dunn says that he expects challenges to accompany changes in drug formularies, and notes that all stakeholders involved in a patient’s care need to understand the importance of risk stratification, preventive measures, integrative care, and pharmacist-centric medication therapy management.

Dr Handelsman adds that society needs to focus on preventive measures and their long-term benefits.

Dr Lopes and Dr Uusinarkaus explain that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing the diabetes and obesity epidemics. The panelists conclude that innovative population-based solutions that place an emphasis on prevention need to be developed by society, government, and the various stakeholders in the healthcare field.