Clinical Pharmacists Help Provide Diabetes Care to Spanish-Speaking Patients

A recent quality improvement initiative at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Southern California demonstrated that clinical pharmacists are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap in diabetes care for Spanish-speaking patients with limited English proficiency. The study, which focused on adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D), found that 57.1% of participants achieved a hemoglobin A_1c level below 8% within 12 months of establishing care with a clinical pharmacist.¹

“Despite national guidelines emphasizing the importance of preventative microvascular screenings for people with diabetes, these services are often underutilized in underserved populations,” the study authors said.¹ “As such, timely access to evidence-based preventative screenings are critical in reducing the risk of vision loss, amputations, and kidney disease.”

Beyond glycemic control, the initiative saw dramatic increases in adherence to critical preventative screenings, including a 37.1% improvement in diabetic eye exam completion and a 57.1% increase in diabetic foot exams. These results highlight the essential role of comprehensive medication management (CMM) in underserved communities where social determinants of health and language barriers often lead to disproportionate rates of diabetes-related complications.¹

The success of such programs often hinges on language concordance, but the broader landscape of pharmacy practice reveals significant hurdles. Research indicates that many pharmacists lack the Spanish-speaking skills necessary to counsel their patients effectively, with 1 study published in Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy showing that 95% of pharmacists reported knowing little to no Spanish despite a perceived need for it in their practice.^1,2

Although federal laws require health information to be provided in a patient’s preferred language, implementation remains inconsistent. Many community pharmacies rely on computer-generated translations for prescription labels and fact sheets, which often lack the cultural nuance required for true understanding. In some cases, patients are forced to specifically ask for labels in their own language, a barrier that can lead to dangerous misunderstandings.^2,3

The pitfalls of literal translation were further underscored by researchers at the University of Michigan, who found that even "easy to understand" Spanish pamphlets often contained confusing terminology. For example, the literal translation of "pattern of dreams" instead of "sleep patterns" can leave a patient bewildered regarding potential adverse effects.³

This disconnect between intended and perceived meaning is often rooted in grammatical differences or cultural stigmas. Pharmacists have witnessed the real-world consequences of these gaps, such as a patient who suffered recurring seizures because he and his family misread English prescription labels, mistakenly believing they should provide half the prescribed dose.³

Experts argue that the solution involves a triadic effect that addresses culture, language, and health literacy simultaneously. Bilingual and bicultural pharmacists provide value that goes beyond mere translation by establishing a professional bond rooted in shared experience. This cultural affinity allows pharmacists to offer more relevant interventions, particularly regarding lifestyle and diet.⁴

In diabetes care, a pharmacist who understands that a traditional Hispanic breakfast might consist of pan dulce or that a serving size of rice and beans is culturally subjective can better negotiate a realistic and healthy treatment plan. This approach moves the conversation away from labeling patients as noncompliant and toward understanding the underlying reasons for nonadherence, such as the cost of medication or the cultural belief that one only needs medicine when they feel sick.⁴

To improve outcomes, the pharmacy profession is looking toward systemic changes, including the integration of Spanish language courses into pharmacy school curricula and the recruitment of more minority staff. In the interim, best practices for pharmacists include the "teach-back" method—asking patients to explain in their own words how they will take their medication—to identify and fill any gaps in understanding.^2-4

Utilizing professional interpreters rather than family members is also recommended to ensure the accuracy of complex medical information. The integration of culturally sensitive clinical pharmacist care remains a critical strategy for reducing health disparities and ensuring that every patient, regardless of their native language, has the tools to manage their health effectively.^1,2,4

“These findings highlight potential opportunities for pharmacists to help close care gaps and reduce the risk of microvascular complications among Spanish-speaking adults with uncontrolled diabetes,” the study authors said.¹ “Further research that examines the factors that contribute to improved clinical outcomes among Spanish-speaking patients receiving care from clinical pharmacists is needed.”

READ MORE: Diabetes Resource Center

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REFERENCES

1. Ko J, Nguyen TP, Chen BK, Beuttler R. Improving HbA1c and Diabetes Preventative Screening Measures in Spanish-Speaking Patients With Clinical Pharmacist Care: A Quality Improvement Initiative. J Prim Care Community Health. 2026;17:21501319261426747. doi:10.1177/21501319261426747

2. Dilworth TJ, Mott D, Young H. Pharmacists' communication with Spanish-speaking patients: a review of the literature to establish an agenda for future research. Res Social Adm Pharm. 2009;5(2):108-120. doi:10.1016/j.sapharm.2008.05.005

3. Cipriano GC, Andrews CO. The Hispanic pharmacist: Value beyond a common language. SAGE Open Med. 2015;3:2050312115581250. Published 2015 Apr 16. doi:10.1177/2050312115581250

4. Shears T. Health education materials need better translations, study shows. University of Michigan. July 24, 2024. Accessed March 6, 2026. https://pharmacy.umich.edu/blog/health-education-materials-need-better-translations-study-shows/