8 Weeks to Maximizing Diabetes Control by Laura Hieronymus

Author:Laura Hieronymus
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Published: 2008-03-20T16:00:00+00:00

Another issue you may want to address at this visit is the cost of prescription medications and supplies. Out-of-pocket expenses are soaring, and people who have diabetes bear a greater burden. Even with insurance, personal health care costs are rising annually.

Along with your normal health care visits, you should schedule an annual medication review with at least one of the members of your diabetes care team. This is an excellent opportunity for you to speak up about any problems you are having. You need to be honest about your problems because there are solutions to most of your difficulties. Allow your health care team to make suggestions to help you improve your control. Remember that you will need to take some time to prepare for your appointment. Write down your concerns and discuss the questions you have regarding your medications and diabetes health plan. Your goal may be to simplify your routine, reduce costs when possible, or understand what you are taking and why.

Diabetes is all about self-care. Medications are critical to your care. You play the greatest role in managing your diabetes medications. The purpose of this annual review is to ask questions about your medications. Possible questions to ask yourself before the appointment are:

• Is the medication schedule too complicated or too time consuming for you?

• Are you having difficulties swallowing certain pills, or do they upset your stomach?

• Do you know the names of your medications and understand how they all work?

• If you take a lot of pills during the day, is it common to mix them up? When should I take my many medications?

• Is the cost of medication a problem for you? If so, ask the doctor if there is a generic version of the medication you could take or if the medication is available in a combination pill.

Your health care team will have the answers to your questions and solutions to any problems you may experience. Don’t be afraid to ask!

WEEK 4

I Can’t Remember…

Have you ever said, “Did I take my pills this morning?” Remembering to take your medications can be a problem. Everyone will miss a dose here or there, but many people need help to jog their memory on a regular basis. If your memory needs a little help, there are numerous tricks, devices, and gadgets available.

5 STEPS TO REMEMBERING TO TAKE YOUR MEDICATION

1. Organize your medications in one spot.

2. Link your dose to a daily event (i.e., brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, etc.).

3. Keep a log of when you took your medication.

4. Set a daily timer to go off when it’s time for a dose (watch, clock, cell phone).

5. Use a weekly or monthly pill box to organize and visually tell you if you took a dosage.

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