Medications
Medications for Diabetes
Along with lifestyle and diet modifications, medications can be used to achieve your diabetes goals. Medications do not mean failure and may be started when A1C levels are > 7%.
General Guidelines for Taking Medications
- Know answers to the following questions about your medication:
- What's name of the drug, both the brand name and generic name?
- Does it come in generic form?
- How does the medication work?
- What does the drug look like?
- What is the proper dosage?
- When should it be taken?
- What are the common side effects?
- How is this drug affected by other medications?

Remembering to Take Your Medication
- Use a pill box as an organizational tool
- Set calendar alerts
- Use apps with reminders
- Tie your medication doses with a daily activity
- Get help from family and friends

Care and Storage
- Store according to package guidelines
- Do not use discolored pills
- Keep medicines with you when traveling (not in your suitcase)
- Take enough medicines with you for your trip, plus extras
- Bring a letter from your doctor if traveling abroad

You may need to manage diabetes through combination of oral medications as well as injectables.
See video below for tips on how to safely use injectable medications to manage your diabetes.
Insulins
Insulin Pens
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Insulin Syringes
Medical Animation Copyright © 2017 Nucleus Medical Media, All Rights Reserved