How Do You Know That Diabetes Pills Are Working?

You can do this either by self monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) or by urine testing, depending on what your doctor recommends.

For SMBG, you may be required to test at various times of the day (usually one to four times), using the following equipment:

1) Lancet device
2) Lancets
3) Test strips
4) Meter/sensor
5) Alcohol wipes
6) Log book

Some SMBG test kits include optional equipment composed of a computer and software that allows you to analyze results which are then stored for reference in the future.

What specific type of diabetes pills are you taking?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has divided diabetes pills into six categories, to wit (along with their generic names):

a) Sulfonylureas - acetohexamide, chlorpropamide, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, tolazamide, tolbutamide

b) Meglitinides - repaglinide

c) Nateglinides

d) Biguanides - combination drug (Glucovance), metformin HCI

e) Thiazoliddinediones - pioglitazone HCI, rosiglitazone maleate

f) Alpha - glucose inhibitors

For a detailed comparison chart about all six categories, visit the Consumer Information page of the FDA website.


Related Articles