Medication, along with diet and exercise, plays a critical role in the management of your diabetes. The number one thing you can do to manage your diabetes is to work with your doctor and care team. They will ensure you’re taking the proper medication at the proper dosage. There are other things you can do at home to help the medicine help you.
It’s Not Just Insulin
Many Type 2 diabetes patients are able to manage their diabetes with just diet and exercise. When that is not enough, there are a number of other medications that can help your body use the insulin it does produce more effectively. The Mayo Clinic provides a helpful list and description of these types of treatments, and many don’t require injections.
Store Insulin Properly
Insulin can be impacted by changes in temperature. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you make sure your insulin is stored properly and not past its expiration date. Otherwise, it may not be effective in managing your blood sugar levels.
Don’t Forget
Be consistent with your insulin. Make sure you take it at the recommended time every day. Make it a part of your normal daily routine. As an added precaution, you can use the alerts on your smartphone to set daily reminders. Your phone will alert you to take your medication, helping you to stay healthy.
Rotate Your Injection Sites
Diabetes educator recommends that you also rotate your injection sites every day from the “fattier part of your upper arm, to outer thighs, to buttocks, to abdomen. Otherwise, you can get lumps under the skin, making it harder for your body to absorb the insulin.”
Talk to Your Doctor about All Medications
Whether your doctor has prescribed a medication for another condition, or you are considering taking an over-the-counter medication, dietary supplement, or vitamin; it’s important that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist. These changes may impact your diabetes medication or your actual blood sugar levels.
The choices you make with your food and exercise, combined with the habits you develop around your medication, can have a positive impact on the management of your diabetes.
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