How to Manage Diabetes Medications Better

Diabetes care is easier when you know how to manage diabetes medications well. These expert tips can help you get the most from your diabetes medications and testing equipment.

By Chris Iliades, MD

Medically reviewed by Farrokh Sohrabi, MD

Living with diabetes really means learning how to manage diabetes. And if you take specific diabetes drugs, better medication management means making those drugs as effective as possible.

Managing diabetes starts by working closely with your doctor — checking in with him or her on a regular basis, keeping prescriptions up to date, getting all of your immunizations, and letting your doctor know how your treatment is going. For better medication management, you also need to get educated and organized at home.

Tips for Better Diabetes Medication Management

Start by keeping a running list of all of your medications. Your list should be organized and legible. "Too often, when I ask to see a person's medication list, he or she pulls out a folded, faded piece of paper from a purse or wallet that’s about to fall apart," says Shannon Knapp, RN, a diabetes educator at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. "Many people with diabetes take multiple medications several times a day. In addition to keeping a good record, the best thing they can do is get a pillbox."

Research supports Knapp’s advice. A study published in the journalAnnals of Pharmacotherapy surveyed more than 1,200 people, most of whom had type 2 diabetes, and found that 86.8 percent of the people with diabetes were taking medications two or more times a day. Those with the best diabetes medication compliance took medications as part of their daily routine, used a pillbox, and were well-educated about their drugs.

"Medication management for diabetes may include learning about oral medications, insulin therapy, and glucose monitoring,” says Amie D. Brooks, PharmD, associate professor of pharmacy practice at St. Louis College of Pharmacy in Missouri. “There are common pitfalls that can be avoided with a little education."

Always take your medication list along whenever you see any doctor. And if another doctor starts you on any new medication, let your primary diabetes doctor know. "Some medications to watch out for include cough syrups that contain sugar and medicines that raise blood sugar, like decongestants and steroids," Dr. Brooks says. "Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications.”

Here are the specifics you need:

Oral diabetes medications. In addition to using a pillbox, keep a calendar with all of your prescription refill dates. "Most people keep their pills in the bathroom, and that’s a common mistake. Oral medications don’t do well with humidity. They should be kept in a dark, dry place outside of the bathroom," Brooks says.

There are many options when it comes to oral diabetes medications, and they have different side effects and interactions — talk them over with your doctor. In fact, ask about the possible side effects of all of your medications. "For example, the most common side effect with insulin islow blood sugar [hypoglycemia],” Brooks says. “People who take insulin need to make sure they know the symptoms."

Insulin. The expiration date on an insulin box is not the same as the expiration of an insulin vial. "You should store your insulin in the refrigerator until you start to use it,” Knapp advises. “Once you poke aneedle into aninsulin vial, the clock starts ticking on expiration. You no longer need to keep it cold, but it will expire in about 30 to 40 days, depending on the brand."

If you’re traveling with insulin, you don't need to keep it cold. “You just want to avoid extreme temperatures — freezing insulin makes it unstable. You shouldn't use insulin that has been exposed to temperatures over 86 degrees for more than five minutes,” Brooks says. “And most insulin today is clear in color. If it turns cloudy or has particles floating in it, don't use it.".

Testing supplies. "You should never try to save money by reusing lancets because you’ll risk getting an infection,” Brooks says. Glucometers need to be test-calibrated about every nine months. Another good way to check your glucometer is to do a test right after your doctor tests you in the office to make sure your results match. Also, although glucometers are designed much better than they used to be, they should still be replaced after five years.

Once you’re organized at home, learn about diabetes medication precautions when you’re on the road. Make sure you’ve refilled all of your medications if you’re going on a trip. Always take your medication list along and all of your contact numbers just in case. "If you’re traveling, remember not to take your test strips out of their vial because they’re sensitive to light,” Knapps advises. “Also, don’t leave your testing supplies or medications in your car if it’s very hot or very cold. You don't want to expose them to extreme temperatures."

There are many things to remember, but the more educated you are about your diabetes medication management, the more successful you can be in managing diabetes.