Taking Medication

For many people with diabetes, taking medication is an important part of their diabetes management. Taking medication in combination with healthy eating and physical activity helps to keep blood glucose levels in the target range which can reduce the risk of developing diabetes complications.

Depending on what type of diabetes you have, your healthcare providers will decide which medications you should be taking. A person with type 1 diabetes always has to take insulin injections or take insulin through a pump. A person with type 2 diabetes may manage their diabetes with diet and exercise alone, with oral medications and/or with insulin. Diabetes is a progressive condition, so it is very common for people to need more or different types of medications over time. Diabetes medications work in different ways. Some medications help the body’s cells to be more sensitive to the insulin; some medications keep the liver from producing too much glucose; and some medications work to signal the pancreas to make and release more insulin. It is important for you to talk with your doctor and/or pharmacist about what medications are right for you as well as to share any concerns you have about medication side effects.