When the diabetes medication plan goes beyond blood glucose control

Adults with diabetes are at higher risk of associated medical complications, including heart disease, nerve and kidney damage, and thyroid and vision problems. Other related conditions can include erectile dysfunction, depression and skin issues.

As a result, you may be given a medication plan that includes medications to help prevent or control these conditions. These medications may be in addition to your diabetes medication plan, prescribed to keep blood glucose levels within target ranges.

The more diabetes medications that need to be taken, the harder it can be to organize them into the daily routine. Taking multiple medications also raises the risk of drug interactions, both between different prescription drugs and with over-the-counter (OTC) products.

We have gathered some tips and guidelines to help overcome the challenges of taking a number of different medications.

Types of medications that may be prescribed

Although some individuals with diabetes are able to control their blood glucose levels through healthy lifestyle measures, most people with diabetes need to take at least one or two medications - insulin and/or pills.

Additional medications are often required to control related conditions.

These medications may include:

• Medications for high blood pressure. Two or three drugs may be required.
• Medication to lower cholesterol. Many individuals with diabetes are prescribed a statin drug to lower LDL cholesterol. Some may also take additional drugs to increase good HDL cholesterol and or to lower triglycerides.
• Aspirin therapy to prevent blood clots. Low dose aspirin may be recommended to help reduce the risks of heart disease.
• Medications to control other associated conditions. These may include nerve, vision and/or thyroid issues. Different medications may also be required for conditions such as depression, erectile dysfunction, and skin problems.

Tips to organize multiple diabetes medications

When multiple medications must be taken, it is essential to follow an organized medication schedule. Look to your pharmacist for help with this important task. Seek a one-on-one consultation with the pharmacist, and take advantage of the services that are available.

Pharmacist services can include:

• Developing a schedule to show when and how all the medications should be taken. Keep this schedule in a highly visible place in the home.
• A blister pack to organize each day’s medications in one handy, convenient place. This also makes it easy to see when medications have been missed.
• Advice on taking medications with or without food and under different circumstances such as while travelling or when ill.

You may find it helpful to read our article on this site Questions to ask the pharmacist about diabetes medications.

Drug interactions

The more medications that are taken, the greater the risk of drug interactions. These interactions can take place between prescription drugs and also with over-the-counter drugs such as cough and cold products, analgesics, and digestive aids including antacids and laxatives.

To give just one example, decongestants – often found in products like cough medicines – can affect blood pressure. Cough medicines may also contain sugar, which can affect blood glucose.

Again, your pharmacist is your greatest ally. Your pharmacist can direct you to the most appropriate over-the-counter drugs. Pharmacists will also provide guidance and advice on any potential interactions between the prescription drugs that are being taken, including what to do if side-effects occur.

Take advantage of all the services that are available to you through your pharmacist.