Adjusting to a Medication Routine

Taking medications every day may require some changes to your lifestyle. But change doesn’t always happen right away. The box below has tips that can help you adjust to taking medication. These tips can help you manage a smoother transition to your medication routine.

Making Change Work for You

Everyone handles change a little differently. The following tips can help if you are having trouble adjusting to taking diabetes medications. • Prepare yourself for slow, steady progress. Taking medication won’t cure diabetes.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but small changes add up. You may not see the benefits of treatment right away. Contact your health care provider if your medications aren’t working or if you’re having side effects. • Establish a daily routine. Taking your medications in the same way and at the same time every day is crucial. When your daily routine is disrupted, it’s easy to forget. To make your medication routine work for you, plan ahead. And don’t get discouraged if you slip up a few times. You’ll get better at sticking with your routine with daily practice. • Ask for support. Taking medications for diabetes can have a big impact on your life.

Tell the people close to you how they can help you stay on track. You might want to join a diabetes support group. There, you can talk with people who have many of the same concerns, fears, and goals. • Acknowledge new emotions. It’s common to resist or feel angry or scared about having to take medications. You’re not alone. Share your feelings with your health care team and people close to you. Acknowledging new emotions is the first step toward accepting them.

Chapter 6

Maintaining Your Overall Health

Living well with a chronic condition means taking care of your whole body. In this section, you will learn: ✓How to help maintain your emotional health ✓ How to help maintain your physical health ✓How to manage changes in your daily routine, such as sick days and travel