Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease, and patients often need long-term medication to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Long-term access to medication is essential for the quality of life and health management of people with diabetes. Patients should therefore pay attention to the following aspects of drug use to ensure its effectiveness and safety.
Diabetes patients should strictly follow the doctor’s prescription and take the medication on time. This includes oral sugar, insulin, etc. Timely medication ensures effective concentrations in the body and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. If the drug is missing, it should be replaced as soon as possible, but if it is close to the next time, it should skip the leak and not double the dose at once.
2. Attention to drug interactions Interactions between different drugs may exist, affecting each other or increasing side effects. The patient should therefore inform the doctor of all drugs in use, including prescription drugs, non-prescribed medicines, herbal medicines and supplements, so that the doctor can rationalize the programme.
3. Regular monitoring of blood sugar. The long-term use of drugs is accompanied by regular monitoring of blood sugar changes. Through blood sugar monitoring, the efficacy of the drug can be assessed and possible low or high blood sugar can be detected in a timely manner. In case of blood sugar fluctuations, the patient should communicate with the doctor in a timely manner and, if necessary, adjust the dose or treatment programme.
4. Attention to clinical responses and side effects. Diabetes can lead to some side effects, such as low blood sugar, indigestion, weight change, etc. Patients should take care of physical changes, record and provide feedback to doctors in a timely manner. In case of serious side effects, such as persistent low blood sugar or abnormality, immediate medical assistance is sought.
5. The adjustment of lifestyle. Drug control of blood sugar alone is not enough, and people with diabetes need to combine healthy lifestyles. A reasonable diet, adequate exercise, well-being and mental health are important components of the management of diabetes. With regard to diet, the intake of refined sugar and high-fat foods should be reduced, with additional intake of fibre-rich whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Moderate motion increases body insulin sensitivity and contributes to weight control.
Diabetes patients should regularly visit hospitals to monitor indicators such as glucose haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood resin, liver function and kidney function. This helps to assess the control of diabetes and the long-term effects of drugs and to identify and address possible complications at an early stage.
7. Drug literacy. Patients need to know the effects, doses, side effects and care of the drugs they take. This helps to increase the dependence of the use of medicines, while providing the necessary information during medical visits to enable doctors to make better judgements.
Long-term drug use is an important component of diabetes management, and patients should focus on drug use and management. Diabetes can be more effective in controlling blood sugar, reducing the risk of complications and improving the quality of life, through such measures as strict compliance with medical advice, regular monitoring, attention to lifestyle adjustments, attention to drug responses and regular follow-up. Active communication with doctors during treatment is key to ensuring the success of health management.
