An Essential Link: Medication Adherence and Diabetes Management
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic (long lasting) disease. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher the chances that the disease affects various body functions and leads to diabetes-related complications. However, the risk of diabetes-related complications like heart, kidney, and eye disease can be lowered by making healthy lifestyle changes, having regular check-ups, and adhering to the prescribed medication schedule.
Medication adherence means taking your medications as prescribed – the right dose, at the right time, in the right way and frequency. Not sticking to your prescribed medication routine could lead to your disease getting worse. In developed countries, just over 50% of patients adhere to the prescribed medications, while it is still lower in developing countries. At least 45% of patients with T2D fail to achieve adequate glycemic control (HbA1c <7%) with one of the major contributing factors being poor medication adherence.
People with diabetes often have multiple medical conditions and take multiple medicines. Hence, they can be at high risk for drug-related problems such as not taking medicine regularly as suggested by doctor or taking a half dose or a wrong dose at the wrong time. When patients don’t take their medicines as prescribed, they may struggle to meet their health goals of lowering sugar levels which may further complicate the situation.
There are various reasons for non-adherence to diabetes medications:
- Not understanding the instructions from doctors
- Forgetfulness
- Multiple medications with different regimens
- Unpleasant side effects
- Medication doesn’t seem to be working
- Cost – patients can’t afford to fill their prescriptions or decide to take less than the prescribed dose to make the prescription last longer
- Feeling that sugar is under control Here are a few tips that may help you stick to your medication schedule:
- Understand your medication routine. Ask your doctors if you have any doubts.
- Take your medication at the same time every day.
- Take medication with an activity you do at the same time every day like brushing your teeth or getting ready for bed.
- An alarm on your cell phone or watch can provide a helpful reminder.
- Use a calendar or medication journal and check off when you take each dose. This can help you avoid missing doses or taking excess.
- Use a pill container preferably, one with sections for multiple doses at different times, such as morning, lunch, evening, and night.
- Leave medication in a safe place that is easy to spot.
- When travelling, be certain to bring enough of your medication, plus a few days extra, in case your return is delayed.
- If you’re flying, keep your medication in your carry-on bag to avoid lost luggage.
- Do not stop medication on your own. Discuss with your doctors for any change in medication.
