Health for life

Taking pills is an easy way to improve a medical condition, or in the case of vitamins and supplements, to assure good health. That is, as long as you take them.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) cites a study that found hospitalization rates were higher for patients who missed taking only 20% of their oral diabetes medications.

If you take prescription drugs regularly, or youve started a vitamin routine that has you taking various pills over the course of the day, its helpful to portion those pills ahead of time and keep them with you.

You can buy an inexpensive pillbox with compartments for times of the day or days of the week. There are more sophisticated ones that include a digital clock and alarm, or a small water supply. Or you can load up any small plastic bag or container and keep it in your pocket or purse when you leave home.

Setting daily doses aside is also a good way to confirm that you took your meds. If you find yourself asking, "Did I take my pills this morning?", just check your pillbox.

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For the ADAs pill-skipping article:
Skipping Pills May Put You in the Hospital

While researching the newer types of diabetes medications for my post on Incretin Enhancers, I came across a nice spreadsheet of the pills currently on the market. It was compiled by the American Diabetes Association and was erenced in their Resource Guide 2005.

It lists each drugs class, brand and generic name, and a short description.

Click the pic or the link below for the full chart (opens as a PDF file):

Oral Agents for Type 2