Managing diabetes with drugs and non-drug interventions Managing diabetes with drugs and non-drug interventions

Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be managed by controlling your blood glucose (sugar) levels, that is, keeping the amount of glucose in your blood not too high and not too low. That way you can slow down the rate at which your diabetes gets worse and reduce your chances of getting the serious health problems that often affect people with diabetes (see the article diabetes explained).

Get a head start in managing your diabetes by

• eating a healthy, balanced diet and having regular meals
• having regular physical activity
• losing weight if overweight
• not smoking
• not drinking too much alcohol.

You will probably be advised to keep track of your blood glucose levels (BGL) by testing yourself as often as needed. Learning about diabetes and how things like eating, activity, medications, alcohol, illness and stress affect blood glucose levels, will help you keep your levels under control.

Your doctor will probably refer you to a whole team of
health professionals

Watch out for local diabetes programs, such as healthy cooking classes, gentle exercise sessions and walking groups. Also think about joining a local diabetes support group, because it can be really helpful to talk to and learn from people in the same boat as yourself. Ask your doctor, community health centre, diabetes educator or local council about programs and groups in your area.

Get to know your doctor

You will need to see a doctor frequently, so find one you feel comfortable with. They will be an important source of information, advice and help. Don't be afraid to ask them lots of questions, and to tell them about any-thing that's worrying you. Keep all your check-up and blood test appointments, so you and your doctor can keep track of how well your diabetes is being controlled, and your doctor can pick up any problems early.

Get to know your health care team

Your doctor will probably refer you to other health professionals. For example, they may refer you to a diabetes educator, a dietitian for advice on eating well, a podiatrist to care for your feet, and an optometrist to check your eyes.

Diabetes educators are specially trained people (often nurses) who help you learn about diabetes and how to test your blood glucose levels. If you haven't seen a diabetes educator yet, ask your doctor to refer you to one, or ring your nearest community health centre or major hospital, and ask for an appointment with the diabetes educator.

Medicines for people with diabetes

People with diabetes often have to take several different medicines for their diabetes and related conditions. Also, their medicines often have to be changed as their needs change.

Diabetes usually gets worse over time, so there may come a time when your doctor recommends that you take tablets, or insulin, or tablets and insulin to better control your blood glucose levels.

At some stage, they may also recommend that you take one or more of the following types of medicines to help prevent or treat heart problems and strokes: aspirin, blood pressure-lowering medicines or cholesterol-lowering medicines.

The table on page 5 lists the main types of medicines used to manage diabetes. There are many different medicines in each category, each with their own benefits and side effects.

Managing your medicines

Don't be afraid to ask your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator any questions you may have about your medicines. If you have trouble remembering to take your medicines, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator. They will have some useful tips, or your doctor may be able to change your medicines so it's easier to remember them.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether arranging a free Home Medicines Review may be useful.

People with diabetes often have
to take several medicines.

A pharmacist can then visit your home and check your medicines to make sure everything is OK.

Ask your doctor to print out a list of your medicines from their computer. Keep the list in your handbag or wallet, so you have it when you need it.

If you want information about your medicines, ring Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 for the cost of a local call. A pharmacist will answer your questions.

Keeping your costs down

Ask your pharmacist about using a safety net card for your prescription medicines.

Ask your pharmacist if there is a generic version of your medicine, as it will be cheaper for you and of the same quality. Register with the National Diabetes Services Scheme, so you can buy cheaper glucose testing strips, and receive free needles (for insulin injection pens) and syringes. Registration is free. Ring them on 1300 136 588.

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Get to know your medicines

The table below lists some of the medicines typically prescribed for people with diabetes. The medicines your doctor recommends will depend on your diabetes, your age and health, and the other medicines you are taking. There are many medicines that reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol, so ask your doctor to go through your medicines with you, and explain what each is for.