Oops! Forgot Your Diabetes Medication? Here’s What to Do

Managing diabetes requires a consistent routine, including taking medication as prescribed. However, we’re all human, and sometimes we forget things. If you’ve forgotten to take your diabetes medication, don’t panic. Here’s what you need to do next.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose of Metformin?

The commonly used medication in the biguanide class is mainly metformin. If you forget to take it within 2 hours after a meal and your blood sugar only slightly rises, you can lower it by increasing physical activity, and there's no need to take an extra dose. If metformin is used in combination with other medications, the same approach can be taken. However, if your blood sugar levels are significantly elevated, you should take the missed dose according to your original prescription. If you realize that the time for the missed dose has overlapped with the time for your next dose, there's no need to take an extra dose. It's essential to remind diabetic patients not to compensate for missed doses by taking extra medication with the next meal to avoid the risk of hypoglycemia and severe gastrointestinal reactions.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose of Short-Acting Sulfonylureas or Glinides?

Short-acting sulfonylureas (such as glipizide) and glinides should be taken 30 minutes before meals. If you miss a dose before a meal but remember during the meal, you can take the missed dose with the meal at the original prescribed amount. If you remember immediately after a meal, you can take 2/3 or 1/2 of the original dose. If you realize you missed a dose between meals, immediately check your blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar levels are only slightly elevated, you can increase physical activity without taking an additional dose. If your blood sugar levels are significantly elevated, you can take a reduced dose immediately. If you remember after a meal and it's almost time for the next meal, it's advisable to check your blood sugar levels before the meal. If blood sugar levels are not significantly elevated, there's no need to adjust medication or meal intake. However, if blood sugar levels are significantly elevated, you can appropriately increase the dose of medication before the meal or reduce the amount of starchy food consumed.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose of Intermediate-Acting Sulfonylureas?

Intermediate-acting sulfonylureas are typically taken once daily, usually before breakfast. If you remember before lunch that you missed a dose, you can take the missed dose according to your blood sugar levels. If you remember after lunch, you can take half the dose depending on the situation. If you remember before dinner, there's no need to take an extra dose to avoid nocturnal hypoglycemia. Instead, consider switching to a glucose-lowering medication taken with meals, such as acarbose or meglitinides.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose of Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors?

These medications are typically taken with the first bite of a meal. If you remember during a meal, you can take the missed dose immediately. If you remember after a meal, taking the missed dose may not be as effective, so you can choose not to take it. If you do decide to take the missed dose, you can take 2/3 or 1/2 of the original dose, and consider eating or advancing the timing of the next meal.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose of Insulin Sensitizers?

Insulin sensitizer medications commonly used clinically are usually thiazolidinediones, represented by pioglitazone. They are typically taken once daily. If you miss a dose on the current day, you can take it when you remember. However, if you realize it the next day, there's no need to take the missed dose; just resume your regular dosage. It's important not to increase the dosage the next day. Additionally, it's worth noting that patients with heart failure should avoid using pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.

To avoid missing doses of medications and better control blood sugar levels, diabetic patients can set medication reminders and use pill organizers to remind themselves to take their medication on time.

Final thought

In managing diabetes, consistency is key, but occasional missed doses happen. Remember, there are strategies to handle this. Stay calm, follow the guidelines provided, and prioritize communication with your healthcare provider. By staying proactive and using tools like medication reminders, you can maintain better control of your condition.