If you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, it can be a challenge to get used to testing your blood and giving yourself insulin everyday. However, once you get the hang of managing your disease, your health can improve and you can feel comfortable going about your day to day life. Here are some tips to help you manage your medication.

Keep a Log

Your insulin needs may very well change over time due to your diet, exercise program and other factors. To make sure that you have an accurate idea of what your insulin needs are, it's a good idea to start keeping a diary or a log. This log can detail what you eat, how much exercise you get, what your blood sugar readings are and how much insulin you gave yourself.

Over time, you can start to see trends that may indicate a lower or higher need for insulin, so you can bring your log with you to your doctor and discuss any changes that need to be made.

Enlist the Help of Your Pharmacist

A local pharmacist can be an invaluable partner in caring for your health and managing your diabetes. If you have a problem using the glucometer for example, they can teach you how to use it properly. If you aren't sure of the best place to prick your finger for a glucose test, they can give you suggestions. They can answer questions about the best time to take your medication, and recommend solutions for side effects.

Some pharmacists can even make sure that the pharmacy delivers your lancets, test strips and other medical supplies on a regular basis, so you don't always have to remember to restock your supplies.

Keep Extra Supplies on Hand

In addition to the supplies that you get for everyday use, it is imperative that you remember to store away some medical supplies for personal emergencies and natural disasters. Should you need to evacuate your area due to a hurricane, for instance, you won't have to stop at the pharmacy before getting on the road. Take special care to rotate any stored insulin so that you never have expired insulin sitting around.

Now that you have some suggestions for better managing your diabetes medication, be sure to work with your doctor and pharmacist to keep your diabetes under control. When you manage your diabetes well, you can better enjoy the rest of your life.

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