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Diabetes Medications and Monitoring Blood Glucose

Along with lifestyle and diet modifications, medications can be used to achieve your diabetes goals.

Medications

  • What’s the name of the drug?
  • 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?

  • Use a pillbox 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

  • Store your medication according to package guidelines
  • Do not use discolored medications
  • 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 take a combination of oral medications and injectables to manage your diabetes.

Watch these videos for tips on how to safely use injectable medications.

Monitoring blood glucose

Measuring blood glucose is a way to find out how your diabetes care plan is working. Knowing if your blood glucose is too high or too low, can help you problem-solve to get your blood glucose to goal. Using a smart glucometer to measure your blood glucose can provide valuable data to help you and your care team.

Learn how to test your blood sugar level by watching this video.

Your target glucose levels may be:

  • Blood glucose fasting (before any food or drink)

90-130 milligrams per deciliter

  • Blood glucose before meals

80-130 milligrams per deciliter

  • Blood glucose post-meal goals

Two hours after, fewer than 160 milligrams per deciliter

  • Bedtime

Fewer than 150 milligrams per deciliter

This is for informational purposes only. This is not an emergency monitoring system. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The A1C (glycohemoglobin) test measures the amount of glucose that has been attached to your red blood cells over a three-month period. The A1C represents the estimated average glucose. The test reflects the average percentage of blood glucose in your body over the past two to three months. The higher the A1C, the more glucose is attached to your red blood cells and the greater your risk of complications. Most patients with diabetes have an A1C test every three to six months. Keeping your A1C under control helps prevent the complications of diabetes.

At Ochsner Health, we know everyone's goals are different. It’s important to discuss your goals with your healthcare provider.

Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, is a dangerous condition that happens when the body does not produce enough glucose to perform normal functions. You may experience hypoglycemia by taking too much medication, skipping meals, eating less or excersing more than usual. Hyperglycemia, also known as high blood sugar, is a characteristic of diabetes. This occrs when the body lacks insulin or does not distribute insulin properly.

When your blood sugar is low, it drops below 70 milligrams per deciliter. If this happens, you may experience the following:

  • Shakiness
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Sweating and chills
  • Irritability or impatience
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Hunger and nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred or impaired vision
  • Headaches
  • Tingling in the lips or tongue
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness

If you are not showing signs of hypoglycemia, you may have hypoglycemia unawareness. Confirm your blood sugar levels by using your glucometer.

Learn more about treating low blood sugar by watching this video.

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