Diabetes : Medications, Self-monitoring

by National Institute on Aging

(Page 6 of 8)

Medications

Take Your Diabetes Medicine Every Day

Insulin and diabetes pills are the two kinds of medicines used to lower blood glucose.

You need insulin if your body has stopped making insulin or if your body doesn't make enough. Everyone with type 1 diabetes needs insulin, and many people with type 2 diabetes do, too.

Drawing showing best places for insulin shots. Insulin can't be taken as a pill. You will give yourself shots every day or use an insulin pump. Insulin pumps are small machines that connect to narrow tubing, ending with a needle just under the skin near the abdomen. Insulin is delivered through the needle.

If your body makes insulin, but the insulin doesn't lower your blood glucose, you may need diabetes pills. Some pills are taken once a day, and others are taken more often. Ask your health care team when you should take your pills.

Drawing of glucose pills. Be sure to tell your doctor if your pills make you feel sick or if you have any other problems. Remember, diabetes pills don't lower blood glucose all by themselves. You will still want to follow a meal plan and exercise to help lower your blood glucose.

Sometimes, people who take diabetes pills may need insulin shots for a while. If you get sick or have surgery, the diabetes pills may no longer work to lower your blood glucose.

Many people with type 2 diabetes do not need insulin or diabetes pills. They can take care of their diabetes by using a meal plan and exercising regularly.

Quiz

1. Insulin and diabetes pills are two kinds of medicines used to lower blood glucose levels.

TRUE is the correct answer. Insulin and diabetes pills are the two kinds of medicines used to lower blood glucose. You need insulin if your body has stopped making insulin or if it doesn't make enough. Insulin is given through injections, or shots. If your body makes insulin but the insulin doesn't lower your blood glucose, you may need diabetes pills. Some pills are taken once a day, and others are taken more often.

2. Everybody with type 2 diabetes needs insulin.

FALSE is the correct answer. Everyone with type 1 diabetes needs insulin, and many people with type 2 diabetes do, too. However, most people with type 2 diabetes take diabetes pills to control their blood glucose.

3. Type 2 diabetes must be controlled by some form of medication.

FALSE is the correct answer. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not need insulin or diabetes pills. They can take care of their diabetes by using a meal plan and exercising regularly.

Self-monitoring

Check Your Blood Glucose as Recommended

The best way to find out how well you are taking care of your diabetes is to check your blood to see how much glucose is in it. If your blood has too much or too little glucose, you may need a change in your meal plan, exercise plan, or medicine.

Ask your doctor how often you should check your blood glucose. Some people check their blood glucose once a day. Others do it three or four times a day. You may check before eating, before bed, and sometimes in the middle of the night.

Your doctor or diabetes educator will show you how to check your blood using a blood glucose meter. Your health insurance or Medicare may pay for the supplies and equipment you need.

Know Your Diabetes ABCs, Monitor Your Diabetes ABCs

Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, heart disease is more likely to strike you and at an earlier age than someone without diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes need to control their A1C or blood glucose average, their Blood pressure, and their Cholesterol - the ABCs of diabetes.

The A1C test, also called the hemoglobin A1C test, shows overall blood glucose for the past 3 months. It shows how much glucose is sticking to your red blood cells. The doctor does this test to see what your blood glucose is most of the time. This test should be done at least twice a year.

An A1C test result of under 7 usually means that your diabetes treatment is working well and your blood glucose is under control. If your A1C is above 7 your blood glucose is too high and you have a greater chance of getting diabetes complications.

If your A1C is 8 or above, take action. You need a change in your meal plan, exercise plan, or diabetes medicine to lower your chance of getting diabetes problems like kidney damage. Talk with your health care provider about your A1C goal.

High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. This leads to strokes and other problems such as kidney disease. Your blood pressure should be checked at every doctor visit. The target blood pressure for most people with diabetes is less than 130/80. Talk with your health care provider about your blood pressure goal.

Low density lipoprotein, or LDL, is the bad cholesterol that builds up in your blood vessels. It causes the vessels to narrow and harden, which can lead to a heart attack. Your doctor should check your LDL at least once a year. The target LDL cholesterol for most people with diabetes is less than 100. Talk with your health care provider about your cholesterol goal.

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.