Prescription medications can help manage diabetes alongside meal planning and physical activity. There are several types, including pills and injections. They each work in different ways to help keep your blood sugar in range. You may need to try more than one type of medication before finding what works best for you.
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Diabetes medications mainly work by lowering your blood sugar (glucose) level. But they do so in different ways. For example, some trigger your pancreas to release insulin. Others mimic natural hormones in your body that help regulate blood sugar. Prescription medications are one part of managing diabetes.
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The three main categories of diabetes medications include:
Each of these groups has several options.
Your healthcare provider considers many factors when suggesting specific medications. Your treatment will be different from your neighbor’s or your relative’s prescriptions because you’re each unique.
Oral diabetes medications are pills you swallow. They work in different ways to help manage blood glucose levels. For example:
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Each of these groups of medications has different side effects. They can also interfere with other medicines.
Who they’re for: These oral medications are FDA-approved for people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). In rare cases, providers may prescribe some of them for people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) off-label.
Non-insulin injectable medications are shots you take. They include GLP-1 agonists and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists.
These medications trigger your pancreas to release more insulin. They also slow digestion, which helps decrease blood glucose spikes.
The satiety effect of GLP-1 agonists reduces your food intake, appetite and hunger. These combined effects often lead to weight loss.
Who they’re for: These medications are FDA-approved for people with T2D. Researchers are currently studying the safety and effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists for those with T1D. Some providers prescribe them off-label for T1D.
Manufactured insulin mimics the natural hormone, which allows your cells to use glucose (sugar) for energy. As a result, it lowers the amount of sugar in your blood.
There are many different types of manufactured insulin. They vary based on how quickly they work and how long they last in your body. Most insulins are injectable, either through a needle, pen or pump. There’s also inhaled insulin.
Who it’s for: Everyone with T1D needs insulin to live. Some people with T2D may also need insulin to manage blood glucose levels.
You may be overwhelmed by all the options. Don’t worry. There are published guidelines that recommend certain drugs over others for their additional benefits. Together, you and your healthcare provider will go over the best medication(s) for you.
Your provider considers many factors when recommending diabetes medications, like:
Your provider may suggest one medication or a combination of them. There’s a good chance that you’ll need to change your treatment over time. This may involve dose changes or different medications.
It depends. If you have T1D, you’ll need insulin for the rest of your life.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition. So, you’ll have to manage it one way or another in the long term. Some people with T2D go off medication. This might happen if consistent food changes and physical activity are enough to manage blood glucose levels.
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Talk to your healthcare provider first before stopping any medications.
Each person’s situation is unique. Diabetes is a condition that progresses over time. So, it’s common to need more medication even if you have healthy behaviors. If you need long-term medication, try not to feel down about it. You’re doing what you must to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Taking care of your health is something to honor and celebrate.
Alongside lifestyle changes, diabetes medications can help prevent complications from diabetes. These include kidney, eye and nerve damage. These complications can greatly impact your health and quality of life. So, sticking to your treatment and adjusting it when needed is important.
Each medication has different side effects and risks. Common side effects include digestive system issues, like nausea, bloating and diarrhea. Your healthcare provider will go over which symptoms to look out for.
Another risk is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
If your dose is too high or you take more than what’s prescribed, your blood sugar could drop below 70 mg/dL. You need to treat low blood glucose by consuming sugar. Your provider will explain how to treat it. Without proper treatment, severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.
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The following medications are more likely to cause low blood sugar:
Insulin is the most potent — it lowers your blood glucose the most.
Metformin is the most common medication for T2D. It’s often effective and has fewer side effects than other options. The GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide and semaglutide are also very effective at lowering A1C.
Researchers mainly measure effectiveness by how much the medication lowers your A1C. That’s your blood sugar average over three months.
But what’s most “effective” for you may be different. For example, you may want to avoid low blood sugar or certain side effects at all costs. Or you may have other health conditions that prevent you from taking these commonly “effective” medications.
Some people — not everyone — with T2D may be able to manage the condition without medication. Changes to your eating patterns and activity levels alone might be enough to keep your blood glucose in range. Losing weight if you have overweight or obesity can help, as well. Ask your healthcare provider if this may work for you.
T1D always requires insulin as treatment.
Some companies sell products that claim to prevent, treat and even cure diabetes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises people to avoid such products.
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Only take prescription and over-the-counter medications that your healthcare provider approves. This applies to supplements, too.
Diabetes is complex. It may take time to find the medication or combination of medications that works best for you. This could take weeks or months. As your body or routine changes, you’ll need adjustments to your treatment plan. Your healthcare provider will be by your side to help make these changes.
Diabetes medications aren’t a silver bullet — they alone can’t keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. But they can be very useful alongside other key management strategies, including:
Diabetes is a chronic condition, so you should see your healthcare provider regularly. They’ll order lab tests (like an A1C test) to check on your health and how your treatment is working.
You may need annual or routine blood tests if you take certain diabetes medications. This is because some can affect other parts of your body. For example, if you take metformin, you’ll have tests for vitamin B12 levels and kidney function.
Other reasons to see your provider include:
There’s no “best” medication for diabetes. Every person is unique, and so is each treatment plan. You may need to try more than one type of medication — or a combination. It’s important to remember that meal planning and physical activity are essential parts of managing diabetes.
Talk to your healthcare provider about any issues you’re having with your management. They’re available to help.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
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