Medication 101
Written by Jennifer Parker, RN, CDE
Many people with diabetes need to begin taking medications at some point in time to control their blood sugar. Sometimes this
comes as a surprise, as they had not noticed any of the signs of high blood sugar and suddenly their medical provider tells them
they need a medication. Other times they may have been working very hard for a long time to try to control the blood sugar with
just diet and exercise and it feels like a failure to them to begin a medication. Alternatively, perhaps they had been well controlled
with pills and the time comes when they need to begin insulin injections. All of these circumstances can, in their own way, be
major life altering events. Let’s take a few minutes to discuss the “why” in regards to taking these medications.
When you have diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, the signs that your blood sugar might be high are overlooked. Feeling tired,
urinating a lot or feeling very thirsty can be signs your blood sugar is up, but we often do not notice it. The only way to know your
blood sugar level is to check your level with a blood sugar meter or get a blood test from your medical provider. These tests are
able to determine your blood sugar level and determine if a medication is your best bet to get lower numbers. What your doctor
knows that you may not realize is that the more we can keep your blood sugar levels close to normal, the less chance you have of
developing the complications of diabetes like blindness, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke.
Maybe you fit in the category where you have been told you had pre-diabetes or that your blood sugar could be controlled with
diet and exercise and suddenly it jumps up and the doctor tells you it is time to start a medication. This is very common. As we
age (and we are ALL aging!), it becomes harder and harder for the pancreas to make enough insulin, and blood sugar levels begin
to rise. The same is true for those who had been on pills and now are told it is time to start insulin injections. Diabetes is never
easy and it definitely gets harder to manage with time.
When the time comes and you are told it is time to begin a medication,
be a smart consumer! Ask lots of questions! Not sure what to ask?
Check out the list of basic questions on the right.
Other helpful hints about taking your medications:
» Carry a list of your medications with you at all times.
» Have all your medicines filled with the same pharmacy
to avoid issues.
» Be sure your medical provider knows exactly what medicine
you are ACTUALLY taking and those you have stopped taking.
» If you cannot afford a medicine, tell your medical provider
or pharmacist (often they can help you get them cheaper).
» Find a friend or family member to help you set up your
medicines weekly or monthly if you have trouble
setting them up yourself.
Start wit
h this bas
ic list of
questions
when talk
ing with
your med
ical provid
er:
» Why d
o I need th
e medicin
e?
» How is
the best w
a
y to take
the medic
ine?
» Does th
e medicin
e need to
taken with
be
food or w
ithout?
» What s
ide effects
should
I watch fo
r?
» When
should I b
e
concerned
and call
the provid
er?
Being open and honest with your medical provider about
your medicines and feeling comfortable asking them to
explain your medicines to you is a very important part of
taking care of your blood sugar levels. So be empowered!
YOU are the best person to gain better control of your diabetes.
Taking your medicines is a very important part of gaining that control!
For questions or more information on scheduling
an individual appointment or a group class,
please call 614-546-4582 or 614-546-3483.
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