Should you be taking that medication?

One of the most common statements I have heard over my years is “I don’t want to take medications” or ” I want to come off some of this medication”.

I understand that.  Medication is often expensive, it’s another thing to do everyday, it may be a reminder that something is wrong with you, and you may even have side effects from it.  Some people think they are “worse off” or have “bad diabetes” if they take medicine for their diabetes.  I have seen people put off going on medicine for way too long which is a big problem.

The way I see it “bad diabetes” is diabetes that is not controlled. One of the main ways to tell if blood sugars are controlled is by a lab test called an A1C.  The A1C is a blood test which indicates your average blood sugar over the last 2-3 months.  The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C less than 7.0 which corresponds to an average glucose of 150.  If you’re A1C is over 7 you should change your treatment plan to reduce your risk of complications.  Changing your treatment plan can include seeing your registered dietitian 🙂 or adding a new medication, or increasing your dose.

So yes, you should be taking that medicine if it helps you control your blood sugar.  And most people need 2-3 diabetes medicine to control it-so don’t be discouraged if you need more over time.  IT IS NORMAL to have to change your treatment plan the longer you have diabetes.  The medications work in different ways and there are more options available than ever before.  While all medications have side effects, (that sound really scary when you read the package insert!) your health care provider will determine the best option for you–the one that will provide the most benefit with the least amount of risk.   Many people are put on metformin at diagnosis, even when your A1C is below 7.0, because of the many benefits and low risk.

If your A1C is under 7.0 without medications, you may not need them.  But you would be smart to take medication if it’s needed to control your blood sugars.  That “bad diabetes” (uncontrolled) can cause problems.