Questions You Should Be Asking About Your Prescriptions
- Effie Hardy
- May 18
- 3 min read
For many people living with diabetes, medications are part of daily life. But understanding why you are taking a medication, how it works, what side effects to watch for, and whether there may be other options available can sometimes feel overwhelming.
The truth is: you deserve to understand your medications.
That’s why pharmacists can be such an important part of your diabetes care team. Pharmacists do far more than fill prescriptions — they can help explain medication timing, identify possible interactions, help you manage side effects, discuss affordability options, and support safer medication use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people living with diabetes are at higher risk for medication-related problems because diabetes care often involves multiple prescriptions, providers, and treatment changes over time. (1)
Questions to Ask About Your Diabetes Medications
1. What is this medication actually doing in my body?
Different diabetes medications work in very different ways. Some help your body use insulin more effectively, some help remove excess glucose through urine, and others help your pancreas release more insulin. Understanding the “why” behind your medication can make diabetes management feel less confusing and more empowering. (2,3)
2. When should I take this medication — and does timing matter?
Some medications work best with food. Others may increase the risk of low blood glucose if meals are delayed. Timing can matter more than many people realize. (2,3)
3. What side effects should I watch for?
Don’t ignore symptoms just because you think they are “normal.” Nausea, dizziness, frequent urination, digestive changes, swelling, or recurring lows may need attention. Your pharmacist can help you understand what is expected and what should be discussed with your healthcare provider. (1,2)
4. Could this medication interact with anything else I take?
Even over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, or cold medicines can interact with diabetes medications. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends keeping your healthcare team informed about everything you take. (2,3)
5. What should I do if I miss a dose?
Many people are afraid to ask this question, but it is incredibly important. Some medications should be taken as soon as remembered, while others should be skipped depending on timing. Having a plan ahead of time can help reduce stress and prevent unsafe dosing. (2)
6. Are there lower-cost options available?
Medication affordability is a very real issue in our community. Pharmacists may know about manufacturer savings programs, lower-cost alternatives, generic options, or patient assistance programs that can help reduce costs. (1)
Common Medication Challenges People Living With Diabetes Face
Confusion after leaving appointments
Difficulty understanding medication instructions
Fear of insulin or injectable medications
Side effects that impact daily life
Medication burnout
High prescription costs
Managing multiple medications from different providers
Running out of supplies or rationing medications
Not feeling heard when concerns are brought up
If any of these sound familiar, you are not alone. These are common experiences — and they are important conversations to have with your care team. (1,2)
Steps You Can Take This Month
✔ Bring a full medication list to appointments. Include prescriptions, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications. (2)
✔ Ask your pharmacist to review your medications with you. You do not need to wait for a problem to ask questions. (1)
✔ Keep notes about side effects or patterns. Tracking symptoms, lows, highs, or timing issues can help your care team make safer adjustments. (1,2)
✔ Set reminders for refills. Running out of medication happens more often than people realize. (1)
✔ Speak up if cost is affecting your care. There may be programs or alternatives available to help. (1)
Helpful Resources
Information on medication safety, adherence, and managing multiple prescriptions.
A free tool that helps people find lower-cost insulin programs and affordability resources based on their situation.
Helps connect people to patient assistance programs that may reduce medication costs.
A nonprofit resource with information on medication discounts, copay assistance, and healthcare savings programs.
References
(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Promoting Medication Management for Diabetes.CDC Medication Management Resource
(2) American Diabetes Association (ADA). Diabetes Medication and Treatments.ADA Diabetes Medication and Treatments
(3) American Diabetes Association (ADA). Oral and Injectable Diabetes Medications.ADA Oral and Injectable Diabetes Medications
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