Diabetes Control Matters

Medicine Matters

Taking medicine the right way is an important part of managing your diabetes and steering clear of complications. Here are some tips to help you:

Take your medicine exactly as prescribed. Never take larger doses or extra doses unless instructed by your doctor.

Make sure you understand the directions on the medicine container and any information the pharmacist gives you about your medicine.

Take your medicine at the same time every day. You'll be less likely to forget when taking your medicine is part of a daily routine.

Keep all medicine in its original container with its original label. Throw out any medicines and containers you no longer use or that have passed their expiration date.

Keep a list of all of the medicines you take with you at all times. If you use the same pharmacist for all of your medicines they may be able to print this list for you.

Don't share or trade medicine with anyone. While your symptoms may be similar, medicine can have different effects on different people.

Report any side effects to your doctor. Don't stop taking your medicine or change your dosage unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Check all your medicine once a year. Take all prescription and non-prescription medicine (pain pills, laxatives, antacids, cold remedies, vitamins, herbal pills and teas, etc.) to your doctor or pharmacist to find out if you still need to take them.

Simple Tips for Over-the-Counter Drug Use

• Cough medicines – Avoid products with sugar, alcohol and caffeine.
• Fever reducers/ pain relievers – Do not take large doses of aspirin (14 or more a day) as it can lower your blood sugar.
• Decongestants – Check with your doctor before taking decongestants; they can cause high blood sugar.