about us

We are an independent pharmacy, serving the community of Sarasota and beyond since 1963. As part of our ever-evolving clinical services, we have been providing diabetes education for the last 10 years.

Our Mission

Our mission is to act now to lower the prevalence of diabetes in our community in the future.

"Even in this age of advanced medication therapy and technology, we are concerned about the lives of our patients with diabetes. We understand how complicated the medication regimens can be, how hard it can be to make the "expected" food choices, inject insulin and prick a finger several times a day, and be anxious about various health complications."

Anna Shleyzer, PharmD, CDCES

Meet Our Certified Diabetes Educator

Hi, I am Anna, the diabetes educator and pharmacist at Hedges. My role is to guide all patients with diabetes and answer all their questions about medications, health, and lifestyle. In the past, I worked as a community pharmacy manager for 12 years. I also had an incredible honor to work as a diabetes educator side by side with Dr. Jose Antunes and Eva Martin, RN, CDCES at the office of Dr. Jose R. Antunes, Endocrinology. In addition, I am a health and wellness coach, and I approach any aspect of my work with patients from a holistic and multi-dimensional standpoint.

While working at a community pharmacy, I witnessed many gaps in the management of diabetes among my patients year after year. With the emergence of newer medications and a widening range of insulin analogs, I observed inconsistencies in knowledge and a lack of urgency around diabetes management at various levels of care and among patients. Meanwhile, we see no improvement in the statistics of diabetes control. It is time to set a new standard for management outcomes, and I have decided to devote the rest of my career to making that change.

First, I set a goal to reach as many people in our community as possible to show them that they can, indeed, take control of their diabetes. Second, I aimed to create awareness that the patient is at the center of successful diabetes management and prevention of complications, not just medication or insulin. Third, I will develop strategies to help change our social culture that currently contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes in our population.

I believe that one’s personal experience living with a condition day in and day out brings a high level of practical expertise and confidence, indeed. Those who manage diabetes on a daily basis may not feel the need for more information; however, a different perspective or approach to everyday familiar things, an empathetic conversation, or an active support group can lead to previously invisible solutions or insights.

We were very impressed with the presentation you recently made at Sunnyside Village. Thank you so much for your clear, informative [message] about diabetes prevention and care. Your slide show added an extra dimension to your talk which enhanced all the good information you shared. Thank you!

Jinny and Ron Miller

First Presbyterian Church

I had the privilege of working as a colleague with Anna in our Endocrinology practice for 2 years. Anna has excellent communication skills and showed that in so many ways in helping our patients with diabetes. She has great listening skills and by truly listening to patients she was able to help them identify their strengths and barriers to self management of diabetes. She used her ability to rapidly troubleshoot problem areas and develop an individualized plan with patients to help them be successful in their journey to better diabetes control. Our patients became successful in the management of their diabetes largely due to Anna’s coaching and guidance in all aspects of diabetes and their life issues. She is extremely knowledgeable about diabetes and diabetes treatment options. It was such a pleasure and joy for all of us to work with Anna.

Eva Martin, RN, CDCES

Diabetes Educator at Dr. Jose Antunes Endocrinology

The information and lessons about diabetes were not only useful, but they were also applicable, applicable to my life. I knew how to eat and what not to eat, in general, but now I know what to actually put on my plate every day and how to match things. My sugars are now steady, and they haven't been before.

Natalie P.

Program Participant

I received all my diabetes education from Anna. She was extremely well versed and knowledgeable about when I had type 2 diabetes and later when I had Type 3C. She has kept me healthy and in control of my blood glucose and A1C and has worked extensively with me when I received the Omnipod dash system, even to the point of checking up on me nights and weekends. I have never had a health professional so dedicated and caring. She is exceptional.

John H.

Diabetes Technology User

I want to thank Anna for all her help and guidance with my diet [plan]. It has been rewarding and educational. 👍

Les S.

Program Participant