Diabetes medicines and insulin Some people can manage type 2 diabetes with healthy eating, exercise and having a healthy weight. But if these things do not help keep your glucose levels in a healthy range, you might need to take medicines and/or insulin for diabetes. All people with type 1 diabetes take insulin. Medicines for type 2 diabetes Medicines help to lower your blood glucose levels in different ways. You might need to take more than one medicine, and you may need different medicines over time. Your doctor might put you on tablets called metformin to help your insulin work better and to lower the amount of glucose in your blood. There are also other medicines that you can take as tablets or injections. Remember to take your medicines at the times the doctor told you. Insulin All people with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin. Some people with type 2 diabetes also need to take insulin to manage their diabetes. Taking insulin does not mean you have type 1 diabetes. Insulin is not like tablets, so it should not be swallowed. You inject the insulin under your skin in different places. Talk to your doctor, health worker or nurse about insulin and what is right for you. Possible side effects All diabetes medicines work differently, and can have side effects, such as nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (throwing up) a sore belly diarrhoea blood glucose levels going too low (hypoglycaemia – see below) fluid build-up (retention). Talk to your doctor if you have these problems and they do not go away or if you are worried. Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level) Hypoglycaemia (sometimes called a ‘hypo’) is when your blood glucose levels drop too low. It might happen if you take too much insulin or some types of glucose-lowering medicine. You can also ‘go hypo’ if you are taking these medicines and: not eating, eating less than usual, or eating too late being extra active drinking grog (alcohol). You might not feel anything when you have a hypo, but sometimes you might feel: shaky hungry weak confused angry sweaty. You might also: get a headache talk like you are drunk, even though you are not. Taking your medicines safely Remember to: keep your medicines somewhere cool, dry and safe (maybe in the fridge at home or at the clinic) so they will not go bad keep medicines out of reach of children get rid of your syringes/needles and finger pricking needles by putting them in a sharps container or hard plastic empty container with a lid (see if the clinic has one). Remember to take your tablets and/or insulin with you when you are away for home. Diabetes yarning: all about diabetes Disclaimer The information here is meant to be helpful as a general guide. It’s not a substitute for medical advice, so be sure to talk to your health professional about your medical needs and questions.
