Barriers to Adherence
While taking medications is one of the easiest things to do to control blood glucose, many people do not always follow their medication plan.
Never double up on medication even if you miss a dose. Instead think about why you missed it and try to build a plan to address this.
Never double up on medication even if you miss a dose. Instead think about why you missed it and try to build a plan to address this.
Top 3 reasons for missing pills:
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Simple forgetfulness
Solution: The best solution to forgetfulness is to "anchor" your pill to other daily activities. For example, leave the pillbox on the dining room table rather than the medicine cabinet. You'll be more likely to notice it if it is in plain view.
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Depression
Solution: Begin by talking to your health care provider. They can help you uncover any physical factors that may be causing the depression (such as thyroid disorder or certain prescription medications) and help you develop a plan for treatment. To overcome serious depression, you and your doctor should consider two major strategies: psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.
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Side effect of pills
Solution: If your medication causes stomach aches or pains, it may become so uncomfortable that you decide to cut back on your pills. If you are having trouble with side effects, talk to your health care provider. Your provider should be able to adjust or change your medication to minimize any side effect you are having.
Top 3 reasons for cutting back on insulin:
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Weight management
Without insulin the body absorbs fewer calories from food. Thus, it becomes significantly easier to manage, or lose weight. Cutting back on insulin has a dangerous price - higher blood sugars.
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Fear of hypoglycemia
Cutting back on recommended insulin may decrease the risk for hypoglycemia. But this will cause chronically high blood glucose levels and will dramatically increase the risk of long-term complications.
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Needle phobia
Though relatively rare, fear of needles can make each and every insulin injection a very unpleasant struggle. These individuals may tend to skip or delay insulin injections, leading to higher blood glucose levels.
If you are struggling with your insulin or oral medication, take steps to identify the issues and address them as soon as possible. There are many new medication choices available. Your provider can adjust or change your medication to deal with any issues or reduce any side effect you have.
This information is a summary from "Diabetes Burnout" hand has been provided with the permission of the American Diabetes Association.
"Diabetes Burnout" is recommended by the American Diabetes Association as an invaluable guide that addresses the emotional issues that can become barriers to good self-care.
Click on the image to go to the American Diabetes Association bookstore.
Note: Care4life has no commercial interest in any of the books or resources it recommends.