Most patients need to take medicine to control their blood glucose levels. As the number of drugs increases, patients also become more confused about the timing of the medicine in relation to food. To avoid confusion, we will limit this discussion to oral medication. We will look at insulin and other injectables in the future.
Some medicines are given before food to maximally act when blood glucose is at its peak. Others, like Metformin, are given after food to minimise gastric problems. Oral semaglutide’s absorption and action are best only when consumed on an empty stomach.
Author
Dr. Tittu Oommen MD, DM