Diabetes Medications: 20 Questions to Ask Your Doctor

It is important that you know as much as you can about how to manage your type 2 diabetes. It is especially important to know how to use your diabetes medications and what role they play in helping you to manage your condition each day.

Ask your doctor these questions when you get a prescription for a new diabetes medication. Some of these questions are simply directions on how to when to take your diabetes medications.

If you still have any questions or concerns, talk with your pharmacist when you have your prescription filled.

1. What is the brand name of this medication?
2. What is the generic name of this medication?
3. How does this medication help my diabetes?
4. When should I start this medication?
5. How long will it take this medication to work?
6. What is the strength (for example, how many milligrams, written as mg) of this medication?
7. How much medication should I take for each dose?
8. How many times a day should I take this medication?
9. What times of the day should I take this medication?
10. Should I take this medication before, with, or after a meal?
11. Should I avoid any foods or other medications when I take this medication?
12. Do I need to avoid alcoholic beverages when I take this medication?
13. Is there any situation when I should change the amount of medication I take?
14. What should I do if I forget to take this medication?
15. If I’m sick and can’t keep food down, should I still take this medication?
16. Can this medication cause low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)?
17. What should I do if my blood glucose is too low?
18. What are the side effects of this medication?
19. What should I do if I have side effects from this medication?
20. How should I store this medication?

Source:
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse