Diabetes: 8 Smart Ways to Remember to Take Medications

Have you ever forgotten to take medications?

When you’re trying to manage diabetes, and maybe several other health conditions, taking medication may be critical to your health. But you get busy. You’ve got a lot on your mind. Maybe you’re away from home. And you forget to take your medications. It happens.

But if your health depends on medication to control blood sugar levels, regulate blood pressure and insulin levels, you can’t afford to forget. Right?

Here are 8 smart ways to remember to take your medications.

1. Take medication with meals

Take a look at when you need to take medications, and if you need food to go with it. If it makes sense, take medication with meals. It’s an easy way to help you remember.

When you sit down to eat, that’s your cue to take your medications.

Now that we’re talking about food, what’s for dinner? Need some ideas? Check out these Diabetic-Friendly meals made from fresh ingredients that only take minutes to prepare.

2. Put your medications where you’ll see them

You know…some place like the kitchen counter, bathroom, dining room table, or your night stand. When you put medications in a visible location, you’ll get a visual reminder to take your medication.

3. Write it down

Instead of trying to keep all your medications, dosage amounts, and when to take them in your head, write it down. Put a note on the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, or the front door: “Take medication.”

When you’ve got a lot on your mind or you tend to forget, it’s a smart and easy way to remember.

4. Ask a family member or friend for help

Know yourself well enough that you think you might forget to take your medications? Don’t leave it up to chance. Ask a family member or friend to help you remember.

Give them a list of medications you’re taking, dosage amount, if you need to take them with food, and when you’re supposed to take them. Then ask them to check on you, remind you, and keep you accountable.

5. Make a checklist

Here’s another smart way to remember to take your medications. Make a list of all the medications you need to take each day.

Then use the list to record each time you take your medication. Think of it like your own chart at a hospital your healthcare staff might use to track your medications.

This can help you remember to take medications, and avoid taking more than you need.

6. Use a pillbox

You’ve seen these before. A pillbox divided by days of the week or compartments for each medication you need to take throughout the day. Spend just a little time putting your medication and dosage amount in the pillbox. And it will be easier to remember to take your medication.

7. Use your smartphone

If you have a smartphone, you can use it to help you take your medications. Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy. Just use the calendar feature. Create an appointment on your calendar. Schedule it. For Example: 9 a.m. Take medications.

When 9 a.m. rolls around, you’ll get a reminder to take your medication. If you’re not sure how to do this, ask a family member or friend to help you.

8. Set up automatic refills

If you’re taking medication for diabetes or another health condition long-term, you’ll need periodic refills. Check with your doctor and your pharmacy about setting up automatic refills.

This way, you won’t run out of medication. You’ll typically even get a phone call: “Your medication is ready for pick-up.” Or if you get your medication via mail, you’ll get a refill before you’re out.

If you need medication to help you manage diabetes, don’t forget to take it. Your health depends on it. Use these reminders to remember to take your medication.