At some point in everyone’s diabetes journey, medications are used to help keep blood sugar in a target range. Treatment plans can change depending on the person and the progression of their diabetes. Diabetes changes over time. Your medicines may need to change too. You may also need medications to protect your heart, kidneys, liver and other organs for long-term health.
Not all diabetes treatments work for everyone. Don’t feel bad if you find you need to make changes or stop certain medications. Your health-care team can help you find the medications that work best for you.
Where and how medications work
Medication helps:
- cells use insulin better
- the pancreas make more insulin
- the pancreas make less glucagon, a hormone which lowers the amount of sugar released from the liver into the blood
- the intestines to decrease sugar absorption and allow more to leave the body
- the muscles use more sugar which means less in the blood
- the brain to feel more satisfied with less food
- the kidneys to increase the amount of sugar filtered and removed from the body
Types of medications
| Medication | Function |
|---|---|
| Biguanides |
|
| SGLT2 Inhibitors |
|
| GLP-1 Inhibitor Agonists |
|
| GIP/GLP-1 Inhibitor Agonists |
|
| DPP-4 Inhibitors |
|
| Insulin Secretagogues |
|
| Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors |
|
| Thiazolidinediones |
|
| Insulin |
|
Other medications to help reduce or treat complications related to diabetes may also be prescribed. These could include medications to control or reduce heart, kidney or liver disease or help with nerves and circulation.
Tips for medication management
- Take medication as directed by your pharmacist or doctor including timing before, during or after a meal. This helps manage blood sugar and prevent spikes and/or lows especially around mealtimes.
- Eat meals and snacks at as close to the same time each day.
- Depending on the medications you take you might be at risk for low blood sugar. Carry fast acting sugar sources such as glucose tablets, small juice boxes or candy with you when you are away from home.
- Side effects can happen, especially when just starting a medication. If the medication is not working for you speak to your health-care team.
- If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time to take your next regular dose, then skip the missed dose. Never double your dose to make up for a missed one.
Medication can be a critical part of diabetes care, however treatment plans can change depending on the person and the type of diabetes. Some people can manage diabetes with healthy eating, exercise and/or medication, while others may require insulin.