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Discover how medication can help you manage your diabetes.
Why take medications for diabetes?
Eating healthy and staying active are the perfect ways to start controlling your diabetes. And like many people with diabetes, you may also need to take medications — for diabetes and other conditions — to stay healthy and prevent problems.
Medications that keep you healthy
Below are common medications someone with diabetes might take. Not all of these drugs are for all people. It depends on the kind of diabetes you have (Type 1 or Type 2) and what other health problems you and your doctor are working to solve.
Along with prescribing what you need for diabetes, your doctor will guide you in choosing drugstore medicines for colds, flu, headaches, and other common illnesses.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use or store the food you eat (mainly carbohydrates like sugar) for energy.
Diabetes pills help your body release or use insulin better. They can also keep your body from making too much sugar.
Vaccinations (influenza, pneumonia, and hepatitis B) give your body the power to fight off disease.
Aspirin lowers your risk of heart attack.
ACE inhibitors lower your blood pressure and protect your kidneys.
Statins lower your cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
And remember:
- Talk with your doctor about the best time to take your medications. Their effect on your body can vary based on when and how you take them.
- Pay attention to how you feel and how your body reacts to each new medication or treatment.
Bottom line
Medication can help keep your diabetes under control so you can stay as healthy as possible.