Health Tips

Colorado / Managing Diabetes / Taking Medication


3. Taking Medication:

One of the most common questions is “Do I need to take a pill to control my diabetes?” Many people do not want to take a medication. They do not want to need to rely on a pill to be healthy. They do not want to pay for it. They do not want the side effects. Others believe that a pill will solve all of their problems. They believe they will be OK if they just take their pills. Not surprisingly, both responses pose problems. Taking medication may greatly help manage your diabetes. It may be necessary. Eating well, being physically active, and monitoring your blood glucose are also very important actions that should not be ignored.

Types of Diabetes Medication:

  1. Oral medications: Oral medications refer to medications that are taken usually in pill form. These medications try to improve the way the body handle its own insulin. They target organs such as the liver, pancreas, and muscles.
  2. Insulin: Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas. It acts like a key that opens the door for the food (glucose) to leave your bloodstream and enter your cells. Insulin is usually taken by injection or using an insulin pump.

Review the following information about medications. Since each person is so unique, talking with your doctor about your specific situation is very important. Do not be afraid to ask questions about medications. This is a very important conversation to have with your doctor.

High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Medications

There are dozens of medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol.
These medications may interact with those for diabetes. A careful plan created by you and your medical home team is very important.

Know this: There is strong evidence that supports treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol more aggressively in people with diabetes. This can help prevent bad health outcomes.