The Importance of Medication & Monitoring Your Blood Sugar

 

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will likely prescribe you one or more medications to help control the disease. Let’s look at some of the most common medications.  

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Oral Medications

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Insulin

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Injecting Insulin 

 

Injecting your medication may seem intimidating at first, but if you follow these guidelines and listen to your doctor, it will become much easier. 

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Whether you use an insulin pen or a vial, you will have to use a different injection site each time. Injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm.

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*FACT: Always dispose of your used needles in a hard plastic container and tape off the top with duct tape before throwing the entire container in the garbage.*

 

Keeping Track of Your Blood Sugar 

 

In order to maintain control over your diabetes, you will have to keep up with your A1C and your blood sugar. 

 

Your doctor will instruct you how many times per day to check your blood sugar. Follow the instructions below to properly check your blood sugar with your glucometer.  

 

Each glucometer is a little different. Please look at the instructions for your specific glucometer before you use it for the first time.

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*FACT: A1C is the 3-month average of your blood sugar. A normal value is under 7.0%*

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Recording Your Results

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Knowing your results is important. You can record them every time you check your blood sugar or use your device to monitor your results.  Your levels will vary based on when you last ate. Refer to this chart for normal ranges. 

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Your medications and equipment will be an important part in managing your diabetes. Work closely with your doctor and follow all instructions they give you! If you have any questions, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist. 

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