Managing Your Diabetes Medications

Managing diabetes often involves taking medications correctly and consistently.
Your medicines help keep your blood sugar in a safe range and protect your long-term health.

When taken as prescribed, diabetes medications can help prevent serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems.

Why Your Medications Matter

Diabetes affects how your body uses sugar for energy.

If blood sugar stays too high over time, it can damage:

• Blood vessels
• Nerves
• Eyes
• Kidneys
• Heart

Many people with diabetes take more than one medication — sometimes for:

• Blood sugar
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol

Some medications are taken by mouth, while others (like insulin) are injected.

---

Take Medications as Directed

Your medicines work best when you:

✔ Take them at the right time
✔ Take the right dose
✔ Follow instructions from your healthcare provider

If medications are not taken correctly, they may not control blood sugar effectively.

---

Keep an Updated Medication List

It’s important to track:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter products
• Vitamins
• Herbal supplements

Share this list with:

• Your healthcare provider
• Your pharmacist

Keeping a copy with you can help ensure safe care.

Some non-prescription products can interfere with diabetes medicines. Always consult with your healthcare provider first before making any medication/supplement changes or starting any new products, including those that are available over-the-counter.

---

Talk With Your Pharmacist

Your pharmacist can help you:

• Understand what each medication does
• Learn when and how to take it
• Recognize possible side effects
• Know how to store medications
• Avoid harmful medication interactions

Pharmacists can also help identify programs that may reduce medication costs.

---

Important Questions to Ask

Consider asking your healthcare team:

• What is this medicine for?
• When should I take it?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• Are there foods or medicines I should avoid?
• What side effects should I watch for?

---

Watch for Side Effects

Report any new symptoms such as (but not limited to):

• Nausea
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness

Medication side effects vary by person and medicine.

Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

Your provider may adjust your treatment if needed.

Also, let your healthcare team know if:

• You forget doses often
• You have trouble swallowing pills
• Your health or diet changes
• You start new medications
• You have difficulty affording medicines

---

Know Your Health Targets

Managing diabetes involves more than blood sugar alone.

Your healthcare team may monitor:

• A1C (average blood sugar over 3 months)
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol

These are often called the ABCs of diabetes.

---

Partner With Your Care Team

Managing diabetes includes:

• Taking medications
• Checking blood sugar
• Eating balanced meals
• Staying active
• Attending regular checkups

Together, these steps help protect long-term health.

---

Medical Disclaimer

This resource is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Diabetes medications and treatment plans vary based on individual health needs. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Seek medical guidance if you experience side effects, missed doses, or difficulty managing your treatment plan.

---

Sources:

• https://www.eriefamilyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Diabetes-Medicines-h.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/articles/diabetes-and-your-medicines.html