In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser.
 EMAIL TO FRIEND     |      PRINTER FRIENDLY     |    
          advertisement
Brought to you by

Medication Management & Diabetes

- Summary
- About managing medication
- Related symptoms
- Risk factors
- Preventing symptoms
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Gary Pepper, M.D., FACP

Summary

People with diabetes often take an array of medications to manage their condition. Some of these medications control insulin and glucose (blood sugar) levels, and others treat symptoms of diabetes-related conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease and abnormal cholesterol.

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in the body's ability to break down blood sugar (glucose). High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) refers to high levels of blood fats, including triglycerides.

Taking several medications at the same time is known as polypharmacy. In some cases, this practice can pose dangers to the patient if medications duplicate or interact with each other. Complications of polypharmacy also occur when:

  • Dosages are either too high or too low
  • Medications are incorrectly prescribed or filled
  • Over-the-counter drugs or supplements interact with medication prescribed by a physician

Patients can take several steps to reduce the risk of developing symptoms or conditions related to polypharmacy. This is especially important for older individuals with diabetes, who often take more medications than younger patients and thus are at greater risk from complications of polypharmacy.

page 1 of 6 | Next Page




Review Date: 10-05-2009
Video
Diabetes
Can you manage diabetes with just diet changes?
TODAY: Medication and Weight Gain
Campbell Brown speaks with Madelyn Fernstrom about medications that...
Gastric Bypass Could Cure Type-2 Diabetes
Gastric bypass surgery not only reduces a person's weight, it may...
Diabetic Retinopathy
Why eye examinations are so important for diabetics
Diabetes
Can you manage diabetes with just diet changes?
Diabetes and Cancer
Are diabetes, choleterol and cancer all related?

Advice from Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Helpful tips and information on weight loss

Get answers from an expert
advertisement
advertisement

YourTotalHealth      

Home  |  Health Centers  |  Health A-Z  |  Staying Healthy  |  Diet & Fitness  |  Woman & Family  |  Pregnancy  |  Community  |  

also on iVillage: Pregnancy & Parenting  |  Beauty & Style  |  Home & Garden  |  Food  |  Weddings  |  Love  |  Entertainment  |  NeverSayDiet

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map  |  Newsletters  |  Feedback

Copyright (c) 2000-2009 iVillage Inc. All rights reserved. The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.