Living with Diabetes

Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help get and keep your blood glucose in your target range.

There are different types of diabetes medicines that work in different ways to lower blood glucose.

Your doctor may prescribe more than one to help you get to your target range.

Some people with type 2 diabetes take both pills and insulin or insulin by itself.

Starting New Medicines

If you are starting new medicines, ask your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator the following questions:

• How many pills do I take?
• How often should I take them, and when?
• Should I take my medicine on an empty stomach or with food?
• What if I forget to take my medicine and remember later?
• What side effects could I have?
• What should I do if I have side effects?
• Will my diabetes medicine cause a problem with any of my other medicines?

If you think you are having side effects from your medicine, or have questions, call your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t stop taking it unless the doctor tells you to.

Remember, your medicine will work best if you also make healthy changes to how you eat and if you are active.

Next: Checking Blood Glucose