Table 1 lists the different types of insulin, how fast they start to work, when they peak, and how long they last. Another type of insulin, called premixed insulin, is a combination of insulins listed in Table 1.

Premixed insulin starts to work in 15 to 60 minutes and can last from 10 to 16 hours. The peak time varies depending on which insulins are mixed. Your doctor will work with you to review your medication options. Talk with your doctor about your activity level, what you eat and drink, how well you manage your blood glucose levels, your age and lifestyle, and how long your body takes to absorb insulin.

If you're worried about the cost, talk with your doctor. Some types of insulin cost more than others. You can also find resources to get financial help for diabetes care. The way you take insulin may depend on your lifestyle, insurance plan, and preferences.

Talk with your doctor about the options and which one is best for you. Most people with diabetes take insulin using a needle and syringe, insulin pen, or insulin pump. Inhalers and insulin jet injectors are less common ways to take insulin.

Artificial pancreas systems are now approved by the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA. Talk with your doctor to see if an artificial pancreas is an option for you. You can give yourself insulin shots using a needle and syringe.

You draw up your dose of insulin from the vial—or bottle—through the needle into the syringe. Insulin works fastest when you inject it in your belly, but your doctor may recommend alternating the spot where you inject it.

Injecting insulin in the same spot repeatedly could cause the tissue to harden, making it harder to take shots in that area over time. Other spots you can inject insulin include your thigh, buttocks, or upper arm, but it may take longer for the insulin to work from those areas.

Some people with diabetes who take insulin need 2 to 4 shots a day to reach their blood glucose targets. Others can take a single shot. Injection aids can help you give yourself the shots.

An insulin pen looks like a writing pen but has a needle for its point. Some insulin pens come filled with insulin and are disposable. Others have room for an insulin cartridge that you insert and replace after use.

Many people find insulin pens easier to use, but they cost more than needles and syringes. You may want to consider using an insulin pen if you find it hard to fill the syringe while holding the vial or cannot read the markings on the syringe.

Different pen types have features that can help with your injections. Some reusable pens have a memory function, which can recall dose amounts and timing. An insulin pump is a small machine that gives you steady doses of insulin throughout the day. You wear one type of pump outside your body on a belt or in a pocket or pouch.

The insulin pump connects to a small plastic tube and a very small needle. You insert the plastic tube with a needle under your skin, then take out the needle. The plastic tube will stay inserted for several days while attached to the insulin pump.

The machine pumps insulin through the tube into your body 24 hours a day and can be programmed to give you more or less insulin based on your needs. You can also give yourself doses of insulin through the pump at mealtimes. Another type of pump has no tubes. This pump attaches directly to your skin with a self-adhesive pad and is controlled by a hand-held device.

The plastic tube and pump device are changed every several days. Another way to take insulin is by breathing powdered insulin into your mouth from an inhaler device.

The insulin goes into your lungs and moves quickly into your blood. You may want to use an insulin inhaler to avoid using needles. Inhaled insulin is only for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Taking insulin with an inhaler is less common than using a needle and syringe. A jet injector is a device that sends a fine spray of insulin into the skin at high pressure instead of using a needle to deliver the insulin. It is used less commonly than a needle and syringe or a pen.

An artificial pancreas is a system of three devices that work together to mimic how a healthy pancreas controls blood glucose in the body. A continuous glucose monitor CGM tracks blood glucose levels every few minutes using a small sensor inserted under the skin that is held in place with an adhesive pad.

The CGM wirelessly sends the information to a program on a smartphone or an insulin infusion pump. The program calculates how much insulin you need. The insulin infusion pump will adjust how much insulin is given from minute to minute to help keep your blood glucose level in your target range.

An artificial pancreas is mainly used to help people with type 1 diabetes. and Eugene C. Gwaltney Family Endowed Chair in Juvenile Diabetes Research. Grimes, Truman B. Grayson, Junqin Chen, Lance A.

Thielen and Fernando Ovalle, UAB Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism; Hubert M. Tse, UAB Department of Microbiology; Peng Li, UAB School of Nursing; Matt Kanke and Praveen Sethupathy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; and Tai-Tu Lin, Athena A.

Schepmoes, Adam C. Swensen, Vladislav A. Petyuk and Wei-Jun Qian, Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington. Support came from National Institutes of Health grants DK, Human Islet Research Network DK, DK and DK; and the American Diabetes Association Pathway Award ACE The UAB departments of Medicine and Microbiology and the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center are part of the Marnix E.

Heersink School of Medicine. UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham. UAB News. Click to begin search. March 03, Print Email. Benefits of the blood pressure medication verapamil include delayed disease progression, lowered insulin requirements and preservation of some beta cell function.

back to top. Keep a record of your measurements to share with your health care team. Continuous glucose monitoring is an electronic system that records glucose levels every few minutes from a sensor placed under the skin.

Information can be transmitted to a mobile device such as a phone, and the system can send alerts when levels are too high or too low. If you can't maintain your target blood sugar level with diet and exercise, your health care provider may prescribe diabetes medications that help lower glucose levels, or your provider may suggest insulin therapy.

Medicines for type 2 diabetes include the following. Metformin Fortamet, Glumetza, others is generally the first medicine prescribed for type 2 diabetes.

It works mainly by lowering glucose production in the liver and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin so it uses insulin more effectively. Some people experience B deficiency and may need to take supplements.

Other possible side effects, which may improve over time, include:. Sulfonylureas help the body secrete more insulin. Examples include glyburide DiaBeta, Glynase , glipizide Glucotrol XL and glimepiride Amaryl.

Possible side effects include:. Glinides stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin. They're faster acting than sulfonylureas. But their effect in the body is shorter. Examples include repaglinide and nateglinide. Thiazolidinediones make the body's tissues more sensitive to insulin. An example of this medicine is pioglitazone Actos.

DPP-4 inhibitors help reduce blood sugar levels but tend to have a very modest effect. Examples include sitagliptin Januvia , saxagliptin Onglyza and linagliptin Tradjenta. GLP-1 receptor agonists are injectable medications that slow digestion and help lower blood sugar levels.

Their use is often associated with weight loss, and some may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Examples include exenatide Byetta, Bydureon Bcise , liraglutide Saxenda, Victoza and semaglutide Rybelsus, Ozempic, Wegovy.

SGLT2 inhibitors affect the blood-filtering functions in the kidneys by blocking the return of glucose to the bloodstream. As a result, glucose is removed in the urine. These medicines may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with a high risk of those conditions.

Examples include canagliflozin Invokana , dapagliflozin Farxiga and empagliflozin Jardiance. Other medicines your health care provider might prescribe in addition to diabetes medications include blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medicines, as well as low-dose aspirin, to help prevent heart and blood vessel disease.

Some people who have type 2 diabetes need insulin therapy. In the past, insulin therapy was used as a last resort, but today it may be prescribed sooner if blood sugar targets aren't met with lifestyle changes and other medicines. Different types of insulin vary on how quickly they begin to work and how long they have an effect.

Long-acting insulin, for example, is designed to work overnight or throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Short-acting insulin generally is used at mealtime. Your health care provider will determine what type of insulin is right for you and when you should take it. Your insulin type, dosage and schedule may change depending on how stable your blood sugar levels are. Most types of insulin are taken by injection.

Side effects of insulin include the risk of low blood sugar — a condition called hypoglycemia — diabetic ketoacidosis and high triglycerides. Weight-loss surgery changes the shape and function of the digestive system. This surgery may help you lose weight and manage type 2 diabetes and other conditions related to obesity.

There are several surgical procedures. All of them help people lose weight by limiting how much food they can eat. Some procedures also limit the amount of nutrients the body can absorb. Weight-loss surgery is only one part of an overall treatment plan.

Treatment also includes diet and nutritional supplement guidelines, exercise and mental health care. Generally, weight-loss surgery may be an option for adults living with type 2 diabetes who have a body mass index BMI of 35 or higher.

BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. Depending on the severity of diabetes or the presence of other medical conditions, surgery may be an option for someone with a BMI lower than Weight-loss surgery requires a lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes.

Long-term side effects may include nutritional deficiencies and osteoporosis. People living with type 2 diabetes often need to change their treatment plan during pregnancy and follow a diet that controls carbohydrates.

Many people need insulin therapy during pregnancy. They also may need to stop other treatments, such as blood pressure medicines. There is an increased risk during pregnancy of developing a condition that affects the eyes called diabetic retinopathy.

In some cases, this condition may get worse during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, visit an ophthalmologist during each trimester of your pregnancy and one year after you give birth. Or as often as your health care provider suggests. Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels is important to avoid severe complications.

Also, be aware of symptoms that may suggest irregular blood sugar levels and the need for immediate care:. High blood sugar. This condition also is called hyperglycemia. Eating certain foods or too much food, being sick, or not taking medications at the right time can cause high blood sugar.

Symptoms include:. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome HHNS. HHNS may be more likely if you have an infection, are not taking medicines as prescribed, or take certain steroids or drugs that cause frequent urination.

Diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when a lack of insulin results in the body breaking down fat for fuel rather than sugar. This results in a buildup of acids called ketones in the bloodstream. Triggers of diabetic ketoacidosis include certain illnesses, pregnancy, trauma and medicines — including the diabetes medicines called SGLT2 inhibitors.

The toxicity of the acids made by diabetic ketoacidosis can be life-threatening. In addition to the symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as frequent urination and increased thirst, ketoacidosis may cause:.

Low blood sugar. If your blood sugar level drops below your target range, it's known as low blood sugar. This condition also is called hypoglycemia. Your blood sugar level can drop for many reasons, including skipping a meal, unintentionally taking more medication than usual or being more physically active than usual.

If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, drink or eat something that will quickly raise your blood sugar level.

If you can't maintain your target blood sugar level with diet and exercise, your health care provider may prescribe diabetes medications that help lower glucose levels, or your provider may suggest insulin therapy. Medicines for type 2 diabetes include the following.

Metformin Fortamet, Glumetza, others is generally the first medicine prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It works mainly by lowering glucose production in the liver and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin so it uses insulin more effectively.

Some people experience B deficiency and may need to take supplements. Other possible side effects, which may improve over time, include:.

Sulfonylureas help the body secrete more insulin. Examples include glyburide DiaBeta, Glynase , glipizide Glucotrol XL and glimepiride Amaryl. Possible side effects include:. Glinides stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin. They're faster acting than sulfonylureas. But their effect in the body is shorter.

Examples include repaglinide and nateglinide. Thiazolidinediones make the body's tissues more sensitive to insulin. An example of this medicine is pioglitazone Actos. DPP-4 inhibitors help reduce blood sugar levels but tend to have a very modest effect.

Examples include sitagliptin Januvia , saxagliptin Onglyza and linagliptin Tradjenta. GLP-1 receptor agonists are injectable medications that slow digestion and help lower blood sugar levels.

Their use is often associated with weight loss, and some may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Examples include exenatide Byetta, Bydureon Bcise , liraglutide Saxenda, Victoza and semaglutide Rybelsus, Ozempic, Wegovy. SGLT2 inhibitors affect the blood-filtering functions in the kidneys by blocking the return of glucose to the bloodstream.

As a result, glucose is removed in the urine. These medicines may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with a high risk of those conditions. Examples include canagliflozin Invokana , dapagliflozin Farxiga and empagliflozin Jardiance.

Other medicines your health care provider might prescribe in addition to diabetes medications include blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medicines, as well as low-dose aspirin, to help prevent heart and blood vessel disease. Some people who have type 2 diabetes need insulin therapy. In the past, insulin therapy was used as a last resort, but today it may be prescribed sooner if blood sugar targets aren't met with lifestyle changes and other medicines.

Different types of insulin vary on how quickly they begin to work and how long they have an effect.

Long-acting insulin, for example, is designed to work overnight or throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels stable. Short-acting insulin generally is used at mealtime. Your health care provider will determine what type of insulin is right for you and when you should take it.

Your insulin type, dosage and schedule may change depending on how stable your blood sugar levels are. Most types of insulin are taken by injection. Side effects of insulin include the risk of low blood sugar — a condition called hypoglycemia — diabetic ketoacidosis and high triglycerides.

Weight-loss surgery changes the shape and function of the digestive system. This surgery may help you lose weight and manage type 2 diabetes and other conditions related to obesity.

There are several surgical procedures. All of them help people lose weight by limiting how much food they can eat. Some procedures also limit the amount of nutrients the body can absorb. Weight-loss surgery is only one part of an overall treatment plan.

Treatment also includes diet and nutritional supplement guidelines, exercise and mental health care. Generally, weight-loss surgery may be an option for adults living with type 2 diabetes who have a body mass index BMI of 35 or higher.

BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. Depending on the severity of diabetes or the presence of other medical conditions, surgery may be an option for someone with a BMI lower than Weight-loss surgery requires a lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes.

Long-term side effects may include nutritional deficiencies and osteoporosis. People living with type 2 diabetes often need to change their treatment plan during pregnancy and follow a diet that controls carbohydrates.

Many people need insulin therapy during pregnancy. They also may need to stop other treatments, such as blood pressure medicines. There is an increased risk during pregnancy of developing a condition that affects the eyes called diabetic retinopathy.

In some cases, this condition may get worse during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, visit an ophthalmologist during each trimester of your pregnancy and one year after you give birth. Or as often as your health care provider suggests.

Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels is important to avoid severe complications. Also, be aware of symptoms that may suggest irregular blood sugar levels and the need for immediate care:. High blood sugar. This condition also is called hyperglycemia. Eating certain foods or too much food, being sick, or not taking medications at the right time can cause high blood sugar.

Symptoms include:. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome HHNS. HHNS may be more likely if you have an infection, are not taking medicines as prescribed, or take certain steroids or drugs that cause frequent urination.

Diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when a lack of insulin results in the body breaking down fat for fuel rather than sugar. This results in a buildup of acids called ketones in the bloodstream. Triggers of diabetic ketoacidosis include certain illnesses, pregnancy, trauma and medicines — including the diabetes medicines called SGLT2 inhibitors.

The toxicity of the acids made by diabetic ketoacidosis can be life-threatening. In addition to the symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as frequent urination and increased thirst, ketoacidosis may cause:.

Low blood sugar. If your blood sugar level drops below your target range, it's known as low blood sugar. This condition also is called hypoglycemia. Your blood sugar level can drop for many reasons, including skipping a meal, unintentionally taking more medication than usual or being more physically active than usual.

If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, drink or eat something that will quickly raise your blood sugar level. Examples include fruit juice, glucose tablets, hard candy or another source of sugar.

Retest your blood in 15 minutes. If levels are not at your target, eat or drink another source of sugar. Often the focus is on keeping blood sugar levels low.

But if they are too low, it can put you at risk, too. Talk to you doctor if you are starting a new exercise program or starting a new diet. He or she may need to adjust your medicine. Last Updated: May 9, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone.

Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

All people who have type 1 diabetes and some who have type 2 diabetes must take insulin. It helps…. There are 3 tools that…. Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. Prescription Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines. Naltrexone for Alcoholism.

Nasal Sprays: How to Use Them Correctly. Chronic Pain Medicines. How to Stop Steroid Medicines Safely. Cholesterol-lowering Medicines. Insulin Therapy. What medicines could my doctor prescribe?

Path to better health No matter which oral medication your doctor prescribes, you should combine it with a healthier lifestyle. Biguanide Metformin Metformin is a type of biguanide and it is currently the only biguanide available in the United States.

Sulfonylureas These medicines help your pancreas make insulin. Thiazolidinediones This class of medicines includes rosiglitazone and pioglitazone.

Meglitinides There are two medicines in this group: repaglinide and nateglinide. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors help control blood sugar levels by preventing the digestion of carbohydrates.

Sodium-glucose transporter 2 SGLT2 A newer class of diabetes medication, SGLT2, includes three medicines: canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 DPP-4 inhibitors There are four medicines in this class of drugs.

Bile acid sequestrants This class of drugs pulls double duty. Things to consider Managing your blood sugar level is critical to your overall health. Questions for your doctor Do I need medicine to control my diabetes?

What type of medicine would work best to control my blood sugar level? At the end of the quiz, your score will display. All rights reserved. University of California, San Francisco About UCSF Search UCSF UCSF Medical Center.

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Diagnosing Diabetes Treatment Goals What is Type 2 Diabetes? Home » Types Of Diabetes » Type 2 Diabetes » Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes » Medications And Therapies » Type 2 Non Insulin Therapies » Table of Medications. Use this table to look up the different medications that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Use the links below to find medications within the table quickly, or click the name of the drug to link to expanded information about the drug. Tolbutamide Orinase® various generics. SE: hypoglycemia, weight gain Preferred SFU for elderly Must be taken times daily.

Glimepiride Amaryl® various generics. Initial: mg daily Range: mg Dose: Taken once daily. SE: hypoglycemia, weight gain Need to take only once daily.

Glipizide Glucotrol® Glucotrol XL® various generics. Initial: 5 mg daily Range: 2. Glyburide Micronase®, DiaBeta® various generics. Initial: 2.

Glyburide, micronized Glynase PresTab® various generics. Initial: 1. Initial: mg daily 0. SE: hypoglycemia Safe for elderly Duration of action is only 4 hours Take within minutes of meal. Initial: mg three times daily if A1C close to goal, use 60 mg Range: mg Dose: Taken three times daily.

SE: hypoglycemia Safe for elderly Duration of action is only 2 hours Take within 30 minutes of meal. Glucophage: mg, mg, mg tablets Glucophage XR: mg, mg tablets Fortamet: mg, mg tablets Glumetza: mg, mg tablets Generic metformin ER: mg, mg tablets.

Initial: mg twice daily or mg once daily Range: mg Dose: Taken two or three times daily ER: Initial: mg once daily Range: mg Dosed once daily. Acarbose Precose® various generics. SE: flatulence Take with first bite of meal Start with low dose and slowly ­ to minimize GI intolerance.