Do you sometimes get to the end of the day and wonder if you took your medication? You’re not alone.  

We’ve talked to people with diabetes and come up with some easy ways to remember your medication.  

First of all, why is it important to remember your medication?  

Diabetes educator Dr Charlotte Rowley explains: “If you’re not taking medication regularly, it means you have an inconsistent amount in your body. And that means that your blood glucose levels, and the benefits you get from your medication, are also going to be inconsistent.” 

Think about what happens if you forget to water a house plant for a week – it looks droopy and sad. To keep a plant healthy, it needs regular watering. Not too little, not too much. It’s the same with your diabetes medication.   

We talked to our community network of people living with type 2 diabetes about how they remember their medication. Here’s what they told us works for them.  

1. Build a daily habit. Establish and stick to a routine where possible by taking your medication at the same time and place each day, like with your morning cuppa or when brushing your teeth.
   This will make taking medication automatic. Be aware of any disruptions to your routine – illness, travel, an unexpected visitor, rushing to an early appointment – as these are the times that you may forget to take medication.
2. Involve your support person. Taking medication regularly is easier with support. Involve your partner or caregiver by linking it with a shared routine such as breakfast.
3. Set yourself digital reminders. Use your phone or a digital calendar to send yourself a reminder each day. You can also download apps with dose trackers to remind you to refill your prescription, so you don’t run out.
4. Keep your medication where you can see it. This will give you an automatic reminder. A high-traffic area, such as your kitchen benchtop or bathroom cabinet, is ideal. Or put a note where you’ll see it, such as on the fridge or your bathroom mirror.
5. Use medication organisers. You can use a seven-day pill box or ask your pharmacists for prepacked doses by day and time. This can help you remember if you’ve already taken your medication.  

I’ve forgotten my medication – what next?  

If you are finding it hard to remember to take your diabetes medication, don’t panic. Let your GP or diabetes educator know in case it affects your results.  

For example, if you’re not taking your medication regularly, and your blood glucose levels are increasing, you might be prescribed a second medication that you don’t need. 

You don’t want to end up on more medication if it’s a case of forgetting.  

Diabetes educator Dr Charlotte Rowley says: “If we’re trying to make decisions based on your blood glucose levels, but we don’t have the full picture of what’s going on behind the scenes, then we’re going to make choices that might not be right for you. So it’s really important that we understand what might be causing difficulties for you.” 

Forgetting to take medication is a common issue. Your health professional is a good person to help you brainstorm ideas on how to make remembering your medication easier.  

Different ideas work for different people – talk to your health team about what works for you. You can also call our helpline on 1300 001 880.  

For more tips on remembering your medication, visit our resources page.