middle aged asian man putting his medication pills into his open palm

If you have Type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe diabetes pills for you. Diabetes pills are not insulin, which are normally taken by those with Type 1 diabetes.

Will Diabetes Pills Work for Me?

will diabetes pills work for me

Diabetes pills work best when you:

  • eat healthy meals
  • stay active
  • don’t smoke
  • manage stress
  • have enough rest

They do not work very well if you:

  • have had diabetes for a long time
  • need insulin to control your diabetes
  • have an infection (flu, cold)
  • undergo surgery

If diabetes pills do not work, your doctor may prescribe insulin to help control your blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Related: How Do Diabetes Pills Work?

Things to Note if You Need to Take Diabetes Pills

things to note if you need to take diabetes pills

Ask your Doctor

  • Clarify all your doubts with your doctor:
    • What are the names of the diabetes pills?
    • How often and when should I take diabetes pills?
    • Should I take diabetes pills when I am sick?
    • What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
    • Are there any side effects from taking the pills?
    • Should I avoid any other medicines (including traditional Chinese medicines and herbs) if I am taking diabetes pills?
  • Take notes to help you remember.
  • Ask for help if you cannot understand the information.

Keep Things Simple

  • Ask your doctor whether you can reduce the number of pills you are taking each day.

Make it a Routine

  • Take your diabetes pills at the same time each day.
  • To help you remember, do it alongside a daily activity, such as after brushing your teeth, after meals, or before going to bed.
  • If you have to take more than one type of diabetes pills more than once a day, use a pill box to help you organise your medicine.

Follow the Prescription

  • Do not take more or fewer pills without checking with your doctor.

When You are Sick

  • There are some pills you must continue to take even if you don’t feel well.
  • Call your doctor or clinic if you are too sick to take your diabetes pills.

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