The Importance of Discipline in Dosage Adherence for Diabetic Patients

As Diabetes has become very prevalent , understanding and communicating the significance of this discipline to diabetics ( at home or at work) is paramount for their health and well-being.

Understanding Diabetes and Medication

Diabetes, particularly type 1 and type 2, is a chronic condition that requires meticulous management. This often includes lifestyle modifications, monitoring blood glucose levels, and adhering to prescribed medication regimens.

Medications for Diabetes:

Oral Hypoglycemics: Metformin , sulfonylureas ,SGLT2 inhibitors and DPP-4 Inhibitors among others.

Injectable Medications: Insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Each medication works differently, whether by enhancing insulin sensitivity, stimulating insulin production, or directly supplying insulin. The timing and dosage of these medications are crucial in maintaining optimal blood glucose levels.

Importance of Dosage Adherence

1. Maintaining Blood Glucose Control

Consistent Levels: Regular intake of prescribed doses helps maintain stable blood glucose levels, avoiding dangerous fluctuations.

Prevents Hyperglycaemia: Missing doses or incorrect timing can lead to elevated blood glucose, increasing the risk of hyperglycaemia.

Prevents Hypoglycaemia: Overdosing or taking medication without proper meal planning can cause blood glucose to drop too low, leading to hypoglycaemia.

2. Long-term Health Outcomes

Reducing Complications: Consistent medication adherence reduces the risk of long-term complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy , and cardiovascular diseases.

Enhancing Quality of Life: Well-managed diabetes allows patients to lead active, healthier lives with fewer interruptions from diabetes-related issues.

3. Optimising Medication Efficacy

Proper Absorption: Some medications need to be taken with food or at specific times to enhance absorption and efficacy.

Avoiding Resistance: Inconsistent medication use can lead to reduced effectiveness over time, necessitating higher doses or additional medications.

Risks of Non-Adherence

1. Short-term Health Risks

Hyperglycaemia: Symptoms include frequent urination, increased thirst, and fatigue. If untreated, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in type 1 diabetes or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) in type 2 diabetes.

Hypoglycaemia: Symptoms include shaking, sweating, dizziness, and confusion. Severe hypoglycaemia can result in seizures, unconsciousness, or even death.

2. Long-term Complications

Cardiovascular Issues: Poorly controlled diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.

Organ Damage: Chronic high blood glucose can damage the kidneys, eyes, and nerves, leading to renal failure, blindness, and neuropathic pain.

3. Increased Healthcare Costs

More Frequent Hospital Visits: Non-adherence often leads to hospitalisations and emergency room visits.

Higher Medication Costs: Uncontrolled diabetes may require more intensive treatments or more expensive medications.

Strategies for Improving Adherence

1. Patient Education

Empower Through Knowledge: Educating patients on how their medications work and why timing and consistency are vital.

Clarify Instructions: Ensuring patients understand the dosing schedule and the importance of taking medication as prescribed.

2. Simplify Regimens

Combination Medications: Prescribe combination drugs where possible to reduce the number of pills.

Tailored Schedules: Work with patients to fit medication schedules into their daily routines.

3. Use of Technology

Reminders: Encourage the use of alarms or smartphone apps to remind patients to take their medications.

Monitoring Devices: Recommend continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) or smart insulin pens that help track adherence and glucose levels.

4. Support Systems

Family and Friends: Engage a patient’s support network to help them stay on track.

Healthcare Team: Regular follow-ups and open communication with healthcare providers ensure ongoing support and adjustments to treatment plans as needed.

So the importance of discipline in can no be ignored and we need to focus on right scheduling of medication to manage the disease.

Regards,

Amit Katoch,

JAKSTAR PHARMA

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