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Managing Your Diabetes:
Managing Your Diabetes:Taking MedicationPage 1 of 3NarratorLike many people with diabetes, you may need to take insulin or other medications to help keep your bloodsugar (or glucose) level steady. But, depending on your individual needs, your healthcare provider mightalso prescribe aspirin, blood pressure medication or cholesterol-lowering medicines to reduce your risk ofother complications and to help you feel better.Jasmine Gonzalvo, Pharmacist, Diabetes Educator, Purdue UniversityEvery medication will come with instructions, when and how to take them, and it may take a while for yourbody to adjust to them. You’ll want to notice any changes that you may experience after starting a newmedication and let your health care team know about any side effects.Rhonda Cruz, Diabetes PatientIt’s a whole change of your life.NarratorRhonda Cruz lost her dad to diabetes when he was only 32, but she was sure that wasn’t going to happento her. So when she was diagnosed a few years ago, she didn’t want to believe it.Rhonda Cruz, Diabetes PatientI don’t like to take medication, so it was like ‘oh, I’ll take it when I want to.’NarratorRhonda now sees a diabetes educator who helps her keep track of her medications, and figure out how tomake them a priority in a life busy with work and family.Rhonda Cruz, Diabetes PatientYou have to take it on a regular basis and at the same time. If you want your numbers to be good and youwant to live longer, it’s something that you have to change in your lifestyle.NarratorDan Diliberti’s lifestyle changed 20 years ago when he was diagnosed. Medications are now part of hisdaily routine.Dan Diliberti, Diabetes PatientI have 2 medications, one oral medication and one injection that helps my body deal with sugar in the bloodand that you digest it better.NarratorThere’s also a daily pill to help lower his cholesterol and everything must be taken on schedule.Dan Diliberti, Diabetes PatientSo, it’s just a matter of keeping track of things and looking out, in some respects and it’s good becauseyou’re monitoring your body and you’re more in touch with things.NarratorA few tips on medications: Don’t forget: To take your medication at the right time every day. It might help if you time yourmedications to other daily activities such as brushing your teeth, or set an alarm to remind you. Rotate your sites: If you inject insulin, be sure to rotate the sites every day or your skin could developlumps, making it harder for your body to absorb the insulin. Use the fattier parts of your upper arm,your outer thighs, buttocks or abdomen. Get help with medication management:Page 2 of 3o Ask your healthcare team why these medications are recommended, if there are any sideeffects, and what to do if you experience them.o Keep a notebook with the name of each medicine, what it’s for, how and when to take it.o Talk to a diabetes educator for tips on how to fit medications into your daily routine.Jasmine Gonzalvo, Pharmacist, Diabetes Educator, Purdue UniversityMake sure to tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medications you’re taking, includingmedications you buy over the counter, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal medications. Thesemedicines may affect or change the way your prescription medications work.NarratorTaking Medication. One of 7 steps to a healthier you.© American Association of Diabetes Educators and The Wellness NetworkPage 3 of 3
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