Management of Diabetes-Related Physiological Complications in Community Pharmacies in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Community pharmacies serve as critical first-contact healthcare points for diabetes management in Nigerian urban settings, yet the physiological monitoring capacity within these facilities remains poorly characterised. This study evaluated the management of diabetes-related physiological complications at community pharmacies in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South South Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, engaging 50 community pharmacies and 150 diabetic customers. Pharmacies were assessed for availability of blood glucose monitoring devices, blood pressure equipment, and trained personnel. Customer blood glucose and blood pressure were measured using calibrated devices, and diabetes complication awareness was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied. Results showed that 74 percent of pharmacies provided blood glucose monitoring, while only 42 percent conducted blood pressure assessments. Among customers, 58.7 percent had poorly controlled blood glucose. Hypertension was present in 44.7 percent but was undetected in half of these cases. Knowledge of diabetes complications was low among customers. The study concludes that community pharmacies in Port Harcourt play a meaningful but under-resourced role in diabetes management, and that physiological monitoring capacity requires strengthening. Training pharmacists in clinical physiological assessment and integrating complication screening into routine pharmacy services are recommended. Keywords: diabetes, community pharmacy, blood glucose, hypertension, Port Harcourt.