Living with Diabetes
Managing Diabetes: Practical Pharmacist Advice
Diabetes can seem overwhelming at first — there’s medication to manage, blood sugars to monitor, and lifestyle changes to keep up with. But the good news is that small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Pharmacists play a key role in helping you understand your medicines, manage side effects, and stay motivated on your journey toward better health.
Here’s some practical advice for people living with diabetes.
1. Understand Your Medications
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, medicines are a cornerstone of treatment. They help lower your blood glucose levels, prevent complications, and improve your overall quality of life.
If you’re taking insulin, learn how to use it correctly — including where to inject it, how to rotate sites, and how to store it properly (unopened insulin in the fridge, opened vials at room temperature). Don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist to demonstrate injection techniques or help you understand how to adjust your dose if your doctor has given you a titration plan.
If you’re on oral diabetes medicines like metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, or SGLT2 inhibitors, make sure you know:
When to take each medicine (with food, before meals, or at bedtime)
What side effects to watch for (for example, metformin can cause mild stomach upset)
What to do if you miss a dose
Pharmacists can also help check for interactions between your diabetes medicines and other prescriptions or supplements you might be taking. Always let your pharmacist know about any new medicines, including over-the-counter ones.
2. Check Your Blood Glucose Regularly
Monitoring your blood glucose is like getting feedback from your body in real time. It tells you how food, exercise, stress, and medication are affecting your blood sugar levels.
If you use a glucometer, make sure you know how to use it properly and that your strips aren’t expired. Ask your pharmacist for tips on how to get accurate readings and how often you should test. Many pharmacies can help set up and interpret your readings, too.
If you’re using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), your pharmacist can show you how to calibrate and interpret your data. CGMs can help identify patterns — for example, if your blood sugar often dips overnight or spikes after certain meals.
Tracking your readings helps your healthcare team adjust your treatment plan and gives you more confidence in managing your diabetes day-to-day.
3. Know the Signs of High and Low Blood Sugar
Understanding the symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) can literally be lifesaving.
Low blood sugar (below 4 mmol/L) can cause sweating, trembling, dizziness, confusion, or hunger. Always carry a quick source of glucose like jellybeans, glucose tablets, or a sugary drink. After treating a low, have a small snack with carbohydrates and protein to stabilise your levels.
High blood sugar (above 10 mmol/L consistently) might make you thirsty, tired, or cause frequent urination. If it happens often, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible adjustments to your medicine or diet.
If you ever feel “off,” check your blood glucose — sometimes what feels like stress or fatigue is actually your blood sugar being out of range.
4. Look After Your Diet — It’s About Balance, Not Perfection
Healthy eating is one of the most powerful tools you have. But that doesn’t mean you can never enjoy your favourite foods again. It’s about making balanced choices and understanding how different foods affect your blood sugar.
Pharmacists often work closely with dietitians to support patients, and encourage the following:
Focus on whole foods: vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Watch your carbohydrate portions, especially refined carbs like white bread or sugary drinks.
Choose high-fibre foods — fibre slows down glucose absorption and keeps you feeling full longer.
Stay hydrated with water rather than sweetened drinks.
If you’re not sure what to eat, ask your pharmacist for resources or referral to a diabetes educator or dietitian.
5. Stay Active and Manage Stress
Physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, improves circulation, and boosts your mood. You don’t need a gym membership — walking, cycling, gardening, or swimming all count. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
Stress can also affect blood sugar levels. Try mindfulness, breathing exercises, or simply making time for something you enjoy each day. Pharmacists often remind patients that mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health.
6. Keep Up with Regular Health Checks
Diabetes affects more than just your blood sugar — it can impact your eyes, kidneys, heart, and feet. Regular health checks can catch problems early, when they’re easiest to treat.
Your pharmacist can remind you when it’s time for:
HbA1c tests (usually every 3–6 months)
Eye exams to check for retinopathy
Foot checks to spot any changes or wounds early
Blood pressure and cholesterol reviews
7. Make Your Pharmacist Part of Your Diabetes Care Team
Managing diabetes is a team effort, and your pharmacist is one of your most accessible healthcare professionals. They’re there to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you stay on track between doctor’s visits.
Many pharmacies now offer medication reviews, blood pressure checks, diabetes education sessions, and even vaccinations to protect against flu or pneumonia — both important for people with diabetes.
If you’re struggling with your treatment plan, talk to us. There may be simpler options, combination medicines, or devices that can make your routine easier.
Final Thoughts
Diabetes management isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. Every small step you take, whether that’s remembering your medicines, choosing a healthy meal, or walking after dinner, adds up over time.
Your pharmacist is here to support you, answer your questions, and celebrate your successes. With the right knowledge and support, you can take control of your diabetes and live the healthy, active life you deserve.