Diabetes Medications: Types and Uses

Diabetes medications are used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. They include insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, and other oral or injectable drugs.

Diabetes Meds FAQ

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What medications do I need if I have diabetes?

Requires daily blood glucose monitoring due to hypo risk. **Other less commonly used diabetes medications include thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) and alpha glucosidase inhibitors (acarbose). Please speak to your GP, NP or diabetes team about these medications if you would like to know more.

What type of medication is used in Type 1 diabetes treatment?

Insulin is the most common type of medication used in type 1 diabetes treatment. There are more than 20 types sold in the United States. It’s given as an infusion under the skin (with the help of an insulin pump) or as an injection. There are multiple types of insulin.

What medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes may be treated with drugs such as metformin, sulfonylureas and insulin. Read about diabetes medicines & how to manage them. There are many types of diabetes medicine including insulin, metformin and sulphonylureas.

What medications are given to people with diabetes?

People with diabetes are often given medications—including insulin—to help manage their blood glucose levels. These medications may be in the form of tablets and some are given by injection. These tablets or injections are intended to be used together with healthy eating and regular physical activity, not as a substitute.

Are there different types of diabetes tablets?

There’s a wide range of diabetes tablets available. Some work in combination with others. You can work with your GP, endocrinologist or other healthcare team members to get the most from your treatments. This is usually the first form of medication for people living with type 2 diabetes.