A critical review of the role of pharmacists in providing care to Indigenous peoples with diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background Indigenous peoples experience disproportionately higher rates of diabetes mellitus (DM) due to social, historical, and cultural factors. Pharmacists play important roles in DM care, but their involvement in caring for Indigenous peoples with DM is not well documented. This critical review aimed to describe pharmacists’ involvement by systematically identifying the roles, barriers, facilitators, interventions, and pharmacists’ vision for improving diabetes care for Indigenous peoples. Methods A systematic search utilizing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines was conducted across seven scientific literature databases and grey literature from inception to May 2026, using keywords related to pharmacists, diabetes, and Indigenous peoples. Data analysis was guided by the Two-Eyed Seeing Framework and the Framework for Diabetes in Canada. Results Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The key roles of pharmacists identified included screening, patient education, medication management, and supporting adherence. Barriers to pharmacists’ service delivery included mistrust, lack of knowledge of Indigenous languages, and financial issues related to management. Facilitators included family engagement, motivational interviewing, home delivery for prescriptions, and customized information material in the Indigenous language. Recommendations identified to enhance pharmacists’ delivery of services included cultural competency, financial support, and increased collaboration with Indigenous peoples and their families. Conclusions Pharmacists provide care for Indigenous peoples living with diabetes through medication management, education, and counselling. Various facilitators and barriers to the provision of these services were identified, which can be learned from to enhance future care. Further research is required to determine best practices to provide the best possible care in a culturally appropriate manner.