Why it is important to have a schedule

Last week we talked about the importance of taking your insulin and eating at the same time every day. We discussed a bit how missing meals could be a problem. This week I want to expand on that and include examples of when diabetes pills are involved as well, not only insulin.{{more}}

It is important to remember that diabetes medications are designed to either stop your blood sugar from climbing in the first place, or to bring down high blood sugars after they have gone up. It is very, very important that you talk to your doctor about the pills that you are taking.

Metformin, for example, does not cause very low blood sugars nearly as often as Glyburide, if you miss a meal. BUT it also depends on the dose of Metformin you are taking.

In all instances, if you are taking medication for diabetes, it is important to do the following:

1) Take your medication at the same time every day as much as possible.

2) DO NOT double dose if you miss one of them. Meaning, if you take one tablet in the morning and one at night, but you forget the morning dose, DO NOT then take two doses at night to “make up” for missing the earlier dose. You can make your blood sugars drop very low by taking a double dose, so be sure not to do this without talking to your doctor about adjusting your medications.

3) Eat at the same time and about the same amount every day. This helps tremendously in keeping your blood sugars level, without too many bounces high or low. Varying your eating pattern makes it more difficult, and can be outright dangerous especially if you are taking insulin. Consistency is a major part of good diabetic control.

4) Do not take anybody else’s medication and talk to your doctor about medication changes. You would be amazed at some of the stories I hear: “I took some of my brother’s/wife’s/neighbour’s medication because mine was all done” etc., etc. WHAT??? Please no, stop the madness! Even if you are being treated for the same condition, you should never take someone else’s medication. Doses are different, formulations are different.

5) If you are sick with nausea and vomiting, hold off on taking your diabetes medications until you can seek medical attention, and that should be as SOON AS POSSIBLE. This could be in the form of a phone call to your clinic or an actual visit. Vomiting especially gets you dehydrated quickly. Plus you then have no food to digest. Both of these situations can make your blood sugars do dangerous things, including going very high or very low. In either situation, you will need medical assistance in deciding what to do with your medications, so contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Until next week, stay safe and healthy Vincies!

Anita Ramsetty, MD endodocs@endocrinehelp.com
Medical Director Endocrine Care Group
www.endocrinehelp.com
Tel: 843-798-4227