Tips for remembering to take your medication

When you're on one or more medications to help manage diabetes, remembering to take pills or use insulin therapy can be a difficult habit to form.

And while missing or delaying dosages of some medications is fairly harmless, diabetics can put themselves in grave danger if they aren't able to adhere to a regular medication schedule.

Whether you're starting a new drug or simply need help remembering to take a current one, here are some tips for success:

Set Reminders

Utilize the power of technology to help you stay on track. Setting alarms or reminders on your smart phone, tablet or computer is an easy way to stay on schedule with taking medication. Certain apps, like MediSafe and Pill Monitor, make this process easy. You can even schedule to get notifications for different pills at different times.

Keep Them Visible

One of the simplest ways to remember your medication is to keep it visible. Decide which area of your house or workplace is in your line of vision the most - the kitchen, the bathroom counter, your desk, your night stand - and put your medications there.

Take Pills During Another Activity

When you combine taking medication with another daily ritual, like eating breakfast or watching TV, you're likely to remember by association when you engage in that activity.

Use a Pill Box

Pill boxes, which you can buy at any local drug store or pharmacy, contain separate compartments for each day - some even have a.m. and p.m. storage areas. Store your medications in these compartments for the week and keep the pill box with you wherever you go.

Be Aware of Obstacles

Traveling, changed plans, stress or social events can all throw off your medication schedule. Know what your obstacles are so you can prevent them from interfering with your medication adherence. On trips, for example, you may want to set yourself an extra alarm or write yourself notes as an added reminder to take your medication on time.

Source: Psych Central