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What will Medications
Do?
When diet and exercise
together are not enough to control blood sugar,
medication in the form of pills is introduced
in treating Type 2 diabetes. These pills lower
the blood sugar by acting like insulin, causing
the pancreas to make more insulin or making
the body cells sensitive to insulin.
When pills and diet
do not work, insulin must be given to control
blood sugar. Often, two types of insulin are
given together for better blood sugar control:
short- and long-acting insulins. Insulin must
be injected using small disposable needles,
called insulin syringes, which must then be
disposed of properly to avoid injury to you
and others.
With practice and support,
daily insulin injections are quickly learned
and soon become part of routine self-care. To
work best, insulin is given between the fat
and muscle layer under the skin in the following
areas of the body:
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Front and
sides of thighs |
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Upper and outer arms
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Abdomen–avoiding
the navel or waistline |
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Buttocks |
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Back |
| Remember: |
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Never skip
a dose of medicine |
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Never double a dosage
if you miss a dose |
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Take your medicine at
the same time each day |
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Never borrow or substitute
pills or insulin |
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Store your medication properly |
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Rotate needle insertion
points to avoid lumps or knots |
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Never skip
a meal |
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