How to Switch From Oral Medication to Insulin

Oral drugs, such as metformin, are usually the first type of drugs prescribed to diabetic patients to help manage their diabetes. In many cases, the oral drugs become less capable over time of effectively managing a patient's diabetes. When this occurs, insulin is usually prescribed to the patient to better manage the diabetes. Only a physician skilled in treating diabetic patients should monitor the switch from oral medication to insulin. The switch from oral medication to insulin can be challenging for the patient as he learns how to measure blood glucose levels and how to measure and administer insulin.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor if you feel that your oral medication is not adequately managing your diabetes. You may feel this way because your blood glucose levels are consistently abnormal or you may be experiencing unpleasant symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability, increased thirst and hunger, and slowly healing wounds.

• 2

  Learn how to measure your blood glucose level. Your doctor should show you how to do this in the office, but you may require extra practice at home. If you need extra practice, follow the instructions that came with your blood glucose monitor to acquire a blood sample and use the monitor. Normal blood glucose levels are 70 to 150. They are typically lower in the beginning of the day and rise after meals. Levels below this range are a sign of hypoglycemia and usually require that some sugary substance, such as orange juice, be consumed. Levels higher than this are a sign of hyperglycemia and usually require that insulin be administered.

• 3

  Learn how to measure insulin. Insulin is measured in units and is administered with a syringe. Your doctor will teach you how many units you should administer throughout the day. This varies greatly from person to person, so only your doctor should oversee this portion of your care.

• 4

  Learn how your diet affects your blood glucose level. Consuming dietary sugar will increase your blood glucose level. In addition to dietary sugar, it is important to note the glycemic index of foods. Foods with a low glycemic index are broken down slowly, which means that the sugars are absorbed at a slow and steady rate, thereby having a slow and predictable impact on your blood glucose level. Foods with a high glycemic index have sugar that is broken down quickly, therefore quickly causing a spike in your blood glucose level. You may want to see a registered dietitian if you feel that you do not fully understand the impact of sugars and the glycemic index on your blood glucose level.

• 5

  Ask for a referral to a diabetic educator if you feel that you are struggling with switching from oral medication to insulin. It is common to be scared and confused throughout the switch. Sometimes a doctor is unable to explain the necessary information in a way that can be understood by laypeople. A diabetic educator can work with you and your doctor to help make the transition from oral medication to insulin a smooth process.