When you are diagnosed with diabetes and start taking medication, you often hear the saying, “You can’t stop taking diabetes medication for the rest of your life.” However, this can vary depending on the individual’s health status and the progression of diabetes.
In this article, we will accurately examine various misconceptions and truths related to taking diabetes medication from an expert’s perspective.
1. Can’t you stop taking diabetes medication for the rest of your life?
Many people think that once you start taking diabetes medication, you have to take it for the rest of your life, but in reality, it can vary depending on how you manage your diabetes.
If you start taking proper eating and lifestyle habits from the beginning, along with appropriate medication, you may be able to reduce or stop taking the medication. In particular, it is important to consistently manage your medication through consultation with a medical professional.
2. When should I take diabetes medication, before or after a meal?
The timing of taking the medication may vary depending on the medication. For example, metformin is usually taken after a meal to reduce stomach upset, and insulin secretagogues are more effective when taken before a meal. It is important to follow the prescription and not change the dosage time arbitrarily.
3. Can I split my diabetes medication?
Some diabetes medications can be split, but certain medications, such as extended-release formulations, are not split in principle.
Since the drug's effectiveness may be reduced or side effects may occur, it is recommended to check with your doctor or pharmacist whether splitting the tablet is possible.
4. Will I gain weight if I take diabetes medication?
Some diabetes medications can cause weight gain, but not all medications do. Insulin or insulin secretagogues are associated with weight gain, while metformin, on the other hand, can induce weight loss. To prevent weight gain, it is important to maintain regular exercise and a healthy diet.
5. Do diabetes medications damage kidney function?
There are also medications that protect kidney function. SGLT2 inhibitors have a protective effect by excreting blood sugar through the kidneys, and diabetes itself can damage the kidneys, so proper medication management is necessary.
6. Is it okay to drink alcohol while taking diabetes medication?
You should be careful about consuming alcohol while taking diabetes medication. Alcohol causes rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels and increases the risk of hypoglycemia, so it is recommended that people with diabetes avoid or moderate alcohol consumption.
Conclusion
Many questions related to taking diabetes medications vary depending on the individual's condition and the type of medication. It is important to safely manage diabetes through accurate information and consultation with a specialist.
