Understanding Your Diabetes Medications

If you have diabetes, following your treatment plan is a key part of staying healthy.

Your provider may prescribe medicine to help you control your condition. If they do, it’s important to take every dose as scheduled. Frequently missing doses can lead to higher blood glucose (blood sugar) and other health problems. If your doctor prescribes a new medication, be sure to: 

 

• Ask what it does, and how and when you should take it. (For example, is morning or evening better? Should you take it with food?) Ask your doctor how to tell if the medicine is working.
• Ask about potential side effects to watch for, and what to do if you miss a dose.
• Tell your provider what other medicines you are taking. This will help avoid any negative interactions between your diabetes medication and other prescriptions.

Common diabetes medications include:

Medication	What It Does	Possible Side Effects
Metformin	Helps improve insulin use and control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes; available in regular and extended-release forms	Upset stomach; can be reduced by taking with food or by taking the extended-release form
GLP-1 medicines (Ozempic, Trulicity)	Help release insulin when needed and slow stomach emptying to control blood sugar and hunger; these medicines lower blood sugar and may support weight loss for many people with diabetes	Nausea and stomach upset are common at first; if you have severe pain or vomiting, get medical help right away
Glyburide	Helps release more insulin after meals to lower blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes patients	Can cause low blood sugar, leading to shakiness, sweating, dizziness, and hunger; carry sugary snacks to help stabilize blood sugar

Don’t let the side effects keep you from taking your medications! Sticking to your medication schedule is very important for managing your diabetes and preventing complications.

Other Ways to Keep Your Diabetes in Check

• Low blood sugar can be dangerous if it’s not treated. Take a regular HbA1c test to check your blood sugar: every three months, if your diabetes is not well controlled, or at least twice a year if your blood sugar levels are stable.
• Be sure to get an annual diabetic eye exam and routine kidney screenings (urine albumin testing). This will help you stay on top of your condition and catch more serious health issues at an early stage.
• Talk to your doctor about the need to make lifestyle changes, like exercising more or eating different foods.

Looking for Diabetes Support?

PCHP members can call 1-888-672-2277 and ask to speak with a member of the Condition Management team. Get help understanding your condition, finding the right doctor, learning how to manage your health, and more.