MANAGING DIABETES
Getting over the hurdles
There can be a lot of reasons why you don’t want to take diabetes medicine. Here are some ways to work around them.
“Taking medicine is too inconvenient.”
Having trouble fitting your diabetes care plan into your daily life? Are you not taking your medicine as directed because you feel it’s too big a burden? Speak with your diabetes care team and see what simple changes can be made to help your diabetes care plan work better for your lifestyle.
“I have a hard time remembering when to take my diabetes medicine.”
Speak with your health care professional about your medicine schedule. Then, you can add their suggestions to your own daily routine. Here are some things that may help you remember to take your medicine:
Daily medicines can be taken before or after regular activities, such as:
- Brushing your teeth
- Preparing meals
- Feeding or walking pets
Weekly medicine can be taken before or after weekly activities, such as:
- Reading the Sunday newspaper
- Doing laundry
- Grocery shopping
- Watching a favorite weekly show
Some other suggestions include:
- Put your medicine in a pill organizer
- Set a reminder alarm on your clock, computer, or phone
- Start a buddy system with a friend, family member, or loved one
- Make a medicine chart to check “when to take it” and “when you took it”
- Store all your medicine in the same place—one that’s easy for you to get to and out of the reach of children
“I don’t like taking my medicine.”
When you understand the benefits of your medicine, it can be easier to accept that you need it. Some people may not like the idea of taking medicine. But know that keeping your blood glucoseBlood glucoseThe main sugar found in the blood, and the body’s main source of energy. as close to your target range as possible will help reduce the risk of other health problems.
“I’m afraid of side effects.”
All medicines have possible side effects, and some can be serious. Not everyone will experience every side effect. It is very important to let your health care professional know how you feel while taking your diabetes medicine, because he or she may be able to offer help. You are also encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
“I am confused about how and when to take my medicine.”
Keep a written plan handy so that you know how and when to take your medicine and how much to take. Ask your health care professional to help you with this plan. Keep your plan near your medicine. Ask your care team questions until you are clear on what you need to do and how to do it.
“I don’t think my diabetes medicine is helping me.”
People with type 2 diabetes may be able to manage their diabetes for a while with meal planning and physical activity. But because type 2 diabetes changes over time, at some point your doctor may say that you need to take oral and/or injectable medicines to manage your blood glucose. Only your diabetes care team will be able to tell for sure how well your medicine is working, so don’t stop taking it without speaking to them.
Talk with your health care professional if you are not reaching your blood glucose goals.
