Diabetes is a long-term battle of lifestyle management. Even with a doctor's prescription, efforts to control blood sugar often fail if patients fail to take their medication on time. Chen Weishan, a senior clinical pharmacist at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, pointed out in an interview with Lianhe Zaobao that the reasons affecting diabetic patients' adherence to medication are often more complex than simply forgetfulness.
"Some people often miss doses due to busy lives or too many medications; others discontinue treatment due to cost, inconvenience in obtaining medication, or unfamiliarity with the method of administration," she explained. A deeper reason is often insufficient understanding of the disease or a lack of motivation—fear of side effects or feeling that the medication is not as effective as expected, so they simply give up.
Chen Weishan emphasized that each patient faces different difficulties, which may change over time. Therefore, identifying individual obstacles and tailoring solutions is the fundamental way to improve medication adherence.
Speaking of the consequences of not taking medication on time, Chen Weishan solemnly stated, "Not taking medication on time will cause repeated fluctuations in blood sugar. In the long run, this can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, foot ulcers, and even vision impairment."
These complications not only rob patients of their health but also severely impact their quality of life. "Once mobility is restricted, opportunities for social interaction and exercise decrease, and life becomes increasingly passive," she added. Frequent outpatient visits and hospitalizations also mean an increased financial burden for individuals and families.
Further Reading
Integrating Medication Adherence into Daily Life
Chen Weishan offers seven specific suggestions to help people with diabetes make medication adherence a daily habit:
① Integrate into daily routine: Keep medication in a prominent place, such as by the bedside or breakfast table, and develop a habit of taking medication at fixed times.
② Set reminders: Use a mobile phone alarm clock, or ask a caregiver to help remind you.
③ Use a pillbox: Store medications separately to avoid confusion, missed doses, or duplicates.
④ Replenish medication in advance: Request a refill at least one week before the medication runs out. If necessary, arrange for home delivery or remote consultation.
⑤ Remember health goals: Whether it's to prevent complications, enjoy life, or spend time with family, these goals can motivate you to adhere to medication.
⑥ Monitor blood sugar regularly: Monitor progress and enhance self-control.
⑦ Communicate with the medical team: Discuss whether to adjust the type or dosage of medication to make medication use easier.
Most importantly, medication should not be seen as a burden, but as a way to take care of yourself.
Empowering Patients to Take Control of Their Health
Chen Wei-shan believes that diabetes care is not a one-person job, but rather the result of collaboration among multiple professional teams. She says, “Doctors are responsible for diagnosis and treatment guidance; nurses assist with injection instruction; medical social workers help overcome financial barriers; pharmacists explain the efficacy and side effects of medications; and nutritionists support patients through diet, helping medications achieve maximum effectiveness.”
She cites JurongHealth Campus’s DREAM program as an example of multidisciplinary collaboration. This program combines educational lectures, interactive activities, and peer support to help patients better understand diabetes and build confidence.
“Our goal is simple—to empower patients to take control of their own health,” Chen Wei-shan emphasizes. She stresses that care plans should combine medical advice with personal lifestyle choices and simplify medication regimens as much as possible. When patients understand the meaning of treatment, participate in decision-making, are familiar with medication management, and receive support in their daily lives, they will be more proactive in taking care of themselves.
Chen Wei-shan firmly believes that trust and communication are the cornerstones of long-term health management: “Only by establishing an open and trusting doctor-patient relationship can diabetes control truly be stable and sustainable.”
