Type 2 Diabetes Medications
Medications are one of the tools that can help you manage type 2 diabetes and protect your long-term health. This resource gives an overview of why medications are used and what your options may look like in the future
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, making up about 90% of people living with diabetes. It happens when the body doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t make enough of it, leading to higher blood sugar (glucose) levels over time. To learn more about diabetes and diabetes management, click here.
Type 2 diabetes isn’t caused by a single factor, it develops for many reasons: genetics, family history, age, ethnicity, excess weight, and other health conditions. When blood sugar is elevated for long periods of time, it can cause damage to the small and large blood vessels in the body, increasing the risk of changes in heart, kidney, eye, and nerve health.
The good news is that there are many tools in our diabetes management toolkit including physical activity, nutrition, managing stress, monitoring blood sugar, and medications. For many people, medication becomes a normal (and often expected) part of managing diabetes over time.
How Medications Can Help and Why Medications Are Used
Medications for type 2 diabetes help to bring blood sugar into a healthier range. This can support your energy levels day to day and lower the risk of long-term complications.
Different medications work by:
- Improving how your body uses insulin
- Helping the pancreas to release more insulin
- Clearing extra glucose through the kidneys
- Supporting weight loss and insulin sensitivity
- Slowing down digestion to help lower blood sugar after meals
Your physician and diabetes care team will work with you to find the best fit for your health and lifestyle.
Using the medication chart:
The chart below gives an overview of many of the available medications and how they work. You don’t need to know or remember every option, the chart simply helps you to see the big picture and feel more confident during conversations with your care team. If you have any questions about managing Type 2 diabetes or would like to better understand diabetes, please reach out to your Constant Health dietitian.
| Medication name | Action | Impact on Weight | Risk of hypoglycemia/ low blood sugars | Common side effects | Timing |
| Metformin - Drug name:Glucophage, Glumetza | Improves insulin sensitivity. Reduces excess production of glucose/ sugar from the liver | Neutral | No/ very low | Diarrhea, gas and heartburn.If symptoms persist slow release metformin may be beneficial | With food as prescribed |
| Sulphonylureas- Drug name:Gliclazide, Glimepiride | Causes the pancreas to produce more insulin | May cause weight gain | Yes | Low blood sugars - carbohydrates are needed at every meal. Increased hunger for some. | 30-45 minutes before eating as prescribed |
| SGLT2’S- Drug name:Invokana, Forxiga, Jardiance, Steglatro | Causes the kidneys to filter out excess glucose/ sugar | weight loss | No | Urinary tract or yeast infections | Any time/ as prescribed |
| DPP4 Inhibitors- Drug name: Nesina, Trajenta, Onglyza, Januvia | Causes the body to produce more insulin ONLY when carbohydrates are eaten | Neutral | No | Infrequent side effects reported. Headache, flu symptoms or GI upset | Any time/ as prescribed |
| TZD’s- Drug name: Avandia | Improves insulin sensitivity | May cause weight gain (fluid retention) | No | Water retention/ weight gain | Any time/ as prescribed |
| GLP-1 RA’s- Drug name: Trulicity, Bydureon, Victoza, Ozempic, Wegovy, Rebelyus | Causes the body to produce more insulin ONLY when carbohydrates are eaten. Reduces appetite and hunger. All GLP-1 excluding Rebelyus are injectable once daily or once weekly. | Weight loss | No | Nausea, diarrhea, constipation and lack of appetite | Same time each day or week |
| Dual GIP and GLP-1 RA- Drug name: mounjaro | Improves insulin sensitivity. Enhances insulin production. Reduces hunger and increases satiety leading to weight loss | Weight loss | No | Nausea, diarrhea, constipation and lack of appetite | Once weekly injection |
| Insulin | Injectable form of insulin your body procduces | May cause weight gain | Yes | Low blood sugars | As prescribed |
This chart is designed to inform you of medications that are used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, NOT as a recommendation for your own personal diabetes management. There are many factors taken into account when medications are prescribed. If you are interested in how your care plan was devised or any of the medications listed above, book an appointment to speak with your Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner .