Medications

TAKING PILLS FOR DIABETES

Diabetes pills are prescribed when physical activity and meal planning are no longer able to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range. It is very important to remember that even if pills are prescribed for you, meal planning and physical activity remain an important part of your diabetes management.

Generally, diabetes pills are divided into two groups, medications that increase the amount of insulin in the body, and medications that help insulin already there work better.

Your blood glucose results will help your physician decide when medications are required, and what type of medication will work best for you. Different medications have different times of the day they should be taken to have the best effect – ask a member of your diabetes team what time you should take each medication.

Mind your medications

Diabetes pills may cause problems with other medications you are taking. Check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Monitor your blood glucose level carefully to make sure your pills are working effectively.
If you are prescribed insulin or a pill that can increase the amount of insulin in your body, talk to your diabetes educator about the prevention, signs and symptoms and treatment of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
Drinking alcohol when taking diabetes pills may affect your diabetes control. Discuss alcohol limits with your physician.
Some diabetes pills can make your skin more sun sensitive. Check with your pharmacist.

Things you should know about insulin

Prior to diabetes, your pancreas produced just enough insulin to match the rise in your blood glucose at each meal, and meet your needs between meals and overnight.

With type 1 diabetes, your body does not produce any insulin. As a result, you have to take insulin every day in order to survive.

With type 2 diabetes, your body produces insulin, but there is not quite enough, or the insulin you do have is not working very well.

Although pills are often the first choice when medications are required, insulin is quickly gaining favour as an effective treatment early in the management of type 2 diabetes. Insulin can be used together with pills, or on its own.

There are many types of insulin available giving one greater flexibility in the timing and number of injections needed. One to four or more injections may be suggested to achieve the target blood glucose level. Insulin is prescribed according to your lifestyle taking into consideration your eating patterns and activity level. Talk to your diabetes care team about what insulin plan best suits your needs.

INSULIN

Before you leave your pharmacist’s counter at your drug store, check to be sure that your insulin is the one prescribed for you.
If you notice white particles in the insulin that do not dissolve return it to your pharmacist.
Use a new cartridge or vial. Remember; always check the expiration date to be sure you can finish using it in time. Out of date insulin can lose its strength.
Carry a form of fast acting glucose (preferably glucose tablets) at all times in case of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
Wearing MedicAlert® identification is recommended.

YOUR DOSE

Insulin is measured in UNITS.
The most common bottle holds 10 cc, or 1000 UNITS
Insulin syringes are marked off in UNITS, check with your pharmacist to make sure you are using the correct syringes.
Make sure your syringe will hold as many UNITS as you take in each dose.
An insulin pen is a convenient and easy way to take your insulin. Just dial up your dose and deliver it by pressing a button. If you think an insulin pen might work for you – talk to your diabetes team.

HOW TO STORE INSULIN

Store unopened insulin in the refrigerator.
Opened bottles and cartridges can be kept at room temperature for thirty days.
NEVER let your insulin freeze or get warmer than room temperature. Insulin may be the best choice in controlling your blood glucose. Many people find that the insulin injections are much easier than they had expected. If you have questions ask your health care team, they are there to assist you.