Did you know that there are dozens of diabetes medications available? If you have diabetes, medication may be a necessary part of managing your blood glucose levels. However, with so many choices, it can be difficult to know which type is best for you. Let’s break down the top 10 diabetes medications to help you understand your options and the potential side effects of each.
Key Takeaways
Work with a diabetes dietitian now!
Covered by most insurance plans.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to serious health issues affecting your heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. If you’ve been diagnosed, it’s normal to feel concerned or uncertain—but remember, with proper management, you can live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Effective diabetes management often involves a combination of medication, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle habits. Think of managing diabetes like a puzzle. Each piece, including medications, plays a crucial role in your overall health.
Understanding Diabetes Medications
Most Popular Diabetes Medication
Metformin is the most commonly prescribed oral medication for treating type 2 diabetes. Doctors often choose it because it’s affordable, well-researched, and helps lower blood glucose levels. It works by improving insulin resistance and reducing glucose production in the liver. Many patients appreciate that it rarely causes weight gain, making daily management a bit easier.
What Medication is Replacing Metformin?
Metformin is still widely used, but it is on the decline due to the medication’s side effects. Some people experience stomach problems like bloating, nausea, or diarrhea. If you’ve felt frustrated with these side effects, you’re not alone.
Another reason people may seek alternative medication is that they need extra help to lower blood sugar levels or lose weight. That’s why newer diabetes medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors are gaining popularity.
Best Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes
Choosing the best medicine for type 2 diabetes depends on a few things. Doctors look at how well the medication works, possible side effects, and each person’s unique health needs. Two types of medications that stand out today are SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
These newer drugs are designed to not only control blood sugar levels but also improve other areas of health. SGLT2 inhibitors help lower blood sugar by making the kidneys remove extra sugar through urine. They can also help protect the heart and kidneys.
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by increasing insulin, slowing down digestion, and reducing appetite. This helps with both blood sugar control and weight loss. These medications are popular because they offer multiple benefits and are often well-tolerated by patients.
Safest Diabetes Medication
Safety is a big concern when picking the right diabetes medication. Most diabetes drugs are considered safe, but some may cause side effects like low blood sugar, weight gain, or stomach issues.
Two types of medications are often seen as safer options:
- GLP-1 receptor agonists – They help with weight loss and blood sugar control without a high risk of low blood sugar.
- DPP-4 inhibitors – These medications are easy to take, usually have few side effects, and are safe for many people.
If you’re concerned about side effects, speak openly with your doctor—they’re there to help! Your doctor may also discuss any other health conditions you have, like heart or kidney problems when choosing the safest option.
Best Medicine to Lower A1C Levels
Lowering A1C levels is one of the main goals of diabetes treatment. A1C measures your average blood sugar over the past few months.
Two of the most effective medications for lowering A1C are:
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
- SGLT2 inhibitors
These medications not only reduce A1C levels but also offer extra benefits like losing weight and heart health protection. Compared to older medications, they may provide better overall results for many patients.
Top 10 Type 2 Diabetes Medications
Managing type 2 diabetes often requires medication to help keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range. There are several types of diabetes drugs, and each works in a different way. Some help the body produce more insulin, some make the body more sensitive to insulin, and others help get rid of extra sugar.
Type 2 diabetes is mostly commonly treated with oral drugs, however, some doctors may prescribe insulin or injectables. Below is a detailed look at the most common medications doctors use to treat type 2 diabetes:
1. Metformin
Common brands: Glucophage, Glumetza, Fortamet
Metformin is the most popular diabetes medication. It helps lower blood sugar by improving how the body responds to insulin and reducing sugar production in the liver. It’s affordable, effective, and typically doesn’t cause weight gain, making it a favorite among patients and doctors alike.
2. Sulfonylureas
Common brands: Glipizide (Glucotrol), Glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase)
These drugs stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, effectively lowering blood sugar. They’re often chosen for their reliability and affordability.
3. Meglitinides
Common brands: Repaglinide (Prandin), Nateglinide (Starlix)
Similar to sulfonylureas, meglitinides boost insulin production but act faster and for shorter durations. This makes them ideal for controlling blood sugar after meals.
4. DPP-4 Inhibitors
Common brands: Sitagliptin (Januvia), Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
These medications help your body produce insulin more effectively after eating and reduce excess glucose production by the liver. They’re known for being easy to tolerate with fewer side effects.
5. SGLT2 Inhibitors
Common brands: Canagliflozin (Invokana), Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
These medications help your kidneys remove extra sugar from your bloodstream through urine. Many people also like them for additional benefits such as weight loss, heart, and kidney protection.
6. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)
Common brands: Pioglitazone (Actos), Rosiglitazone (Avandia)
TZDs increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing your cells to use glucose more efficiently. They’re effective but typically monitored closely due to potential side effects like fluid retention.
7. Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors
Common brands: Acarbose (Precose), Miglitol (Glyset)
These medications slow carbohydrate digestion, helping prevent significant spikes in blood sugar after meals. They’re especially useful for managing blood sugar after eating carbohydrates.
8. Combination Oral Therapies
Common brands: Janumet (Metformin + Sitagliptin), Invokamet (Metformin + Canagliflozin)
These combine two diabetes medications in one pill, simplifying medication routines and improving adherence. Many patients appreciate taking fewer pills each day.
9. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Common brands: Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus), Liraglutide (Victoza)
These drugs help lower blood sugar, slow digestion, reduce appetite, and support weight loss. They’re available as either injectable medications or oral pills. GLP-1s are becoming more popular due to their significant health benefits beyond blood sugar management.
10. Emerging Oral Medications
New diabetes medications continue to emerge, promising better blood sugar control, fewer side effects, and additional health benefits like heart protection. These new treatments represent hope and ongoing improvement in diabetes care.
What is the New Pill for Type 2 Diabetes?
One of the newest pills available for type 2 diabetes is called oral semaglutide. This medication is part of a group of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. What makes oral semaglutide special is that it’s the first GLP-1 medication you can take as a pill instead of an injection.
Oral semaglutide has a few key advantages compared to older diabetes pills:
- Helps lower blood glucose levels effectively
- Supports weight loss, which is helpful for many people with type 2 diabetes
- Protects heart health, lowering the risk of heart disease
- Convenient pill form, so no need for daily shots
As a result of the benefits promised by these alternatives to Ozempic and other injectables, more doctors are recommending oral semaglutide for patients who want better blood sugar control and extra health benefits without using injections.
Special Considerations for Diabetes Medicine
Medication Interactions and Side Effects
If you have type 2 diabetes, it’s very important to talk to your doctor about all the medications, including supplements and over-the-counter medications, you are using. Some diabetes drugs can interact with other medications, which may cause unwanted side effects or affect how well they work.
Common side effects of diabetes medications include:
- Upset stomach or nausea (especially with Metformin or GLP-1 receptor agonists)
- Increased urination (common with SGLT2 inhibitors)
- Risk of low blood sugar, especially when combined with other drugs that lower blood glucose levels (like insulin or sulfonylureas)
Always tell your healthcare provider if you notice new symptoms or feel unwell after starting a new medication.
The Role of LDL Cholesterol and Diabetes
Managing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides is essential for people with diabetes, as high levels significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Elevated LDL cholesterol is often seen alongside diabetes and can worsen the progression of cardiovascular complications.
Common medications to manage LDL cholesterol and triglycerides include statins. These drugs effectively reduce cholesterol production in the liver, and bile acid sequestrants help remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. Proper cholesterol management complements diabetes medication, contributing to better overall health outcomes.
Pregnancy and Diabetes Medications
Managing diabetes during pregnancy requires extra care to keep both the mother and baby healthy. Whether you have type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or develop high blood glucose levels during pregnancy, choosing safe diabetes medications is very important.
Safe Diabetes Medications During Pregnancy
If you need to take medication while pregnant, you may have questions about what medications are considered safe or not. Studies have been conducted to determine which medications are best for pregnant women.
Two of the safest medications used during pregnancy are:
- Metformin
- Insulin
Insulin is often the first choice because it does not cross the placenta and allows for tight control of blood sugar levels without harming the baby. Metformin may also be used, especially for women who already take it before pregnancy.
Talking with your healthcare provider and dietitian can help you determine which medication is best for you and your baby.
Emerging Treatments and Clinical Trials
Researchers are always working on new ways to treat type 2 diabetes. Many of these new treatments are being tested in clinical trials. Clinical trials help researchers learn if new medications are safe and effective.
Some exciting innovations include:
- Inhaled insulin, which delivers insulin through the lungs instead of a shot
- Next-generation oral medications that are more effective and have fewer side effects
Participating in a trial is an important way to contribute to medical progress, but it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor first.
Take a Holistic Approach to Diabetes Management
There are many type 2 diabetes medications available today, including Metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, and others. Each has its own benefits, side effects, and special uses. Some medications help with weight loss, others protect the heart, and some are safer during pregnancy. Choosing the right one depends on your overall health, lifestyle, and personal needs.
But medication is just one part of managing diabetes. Nutrition and lifestyle habits play a huge role in keeping blood glucose levels stable and improving your overall health. A dietitian can help you build a meal plan, understand how food affects your blood sugar, and make lasting lifestyle changes. Book a session with one of our remote dietitians today for personalized support on your schedule.
Work with a diabetes dietitian now!
Covered by most insurance plans.
