Taking Diabetes Medicines

Taking your medicine regularly is an important part of your diabetes management plan. Consult your doctor on when and how to take your medicine.

 

When taking diabetes medication, it is important to:

• Know what you are taking and understand why you are taking it.
• Ask about about the potential side effects of each drug. These should also be listed in the package insert.
• Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any adverse reaction.

 

Insulin — what is it?
 

Insulin is a hormone produced in an organ called the pancreas. It is needed to move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the body’s cells, where it is used for energy.

 

Why you may need to take insulin
 

If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas can no longer make enough insulin. For this reason, you will always have to take prescribed insulin to manage your blood sugars.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be prescribed insulin when your blood sugar can no longer be managed despite taking pills, tablets or trying other ways to manage your blood sugar without the desired results. Type 2 diabetes tends to progress over time and may require adjustments to your treatment regimen.

 

Sources:
 

American Diabetes Association (ADA), Medications & Treatments. Online version accessed May 13, 2022

Healthline, The Connection Between Diabetes and Your Pancreas. Online version accessed June 30, 2022

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Insulin, Medicines, and Other Diabetes Treatments. Online version accessed June 30, 2022