Guide to the top prescriptions for type 2 diabetes
Managing type 2 diabetes often means finding the right mix of medications, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support. With many type 2 diabetes medications available today, it can feel overwhelming to compare options and understand how each one works. This guide from SaveHealth, a prescription discount/savings card website, is designed to help you navigate the most commonly prescribed oral diabetes drugs and injectable diabetes treatments, understand their benefits and side effects, and see how they fit into modern diabetes treatment options.
Understanding type 2 diabetes medications
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively or does not produce enough insulin to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Medications aim to lower blood glucose, reduce A1C, and lower the risk of complications such as heart disease and kidney problems.
Doctors often tailor prescriptions based on factors such as A1C levels, weight goals, heart health, kidney function, and tolerance for side effects. The best diabetes medication for one person may not be ideal for another.
Major categories of diabetes treatment options include:
- Oral medications that improve insulin sensitivity or reduce glucose production.
- Injectable diabetes treatments, including insulin and combination products.
- New diabetes drugs that offer cardiovascular or weight loss benefits.
Oral diabetes drugs commonly prescribed
Oral medications are often the first step after diagnosis. They are convenient, effective for many people, and can be combined when needed.
Metformin based combinations
Metformin remains the foundation of type 2 diabetes treatment. Several combination drugs pair metformin with other agents for enhanced A1C lowering.
Examples include:
- Segluromet, which combines ertugliflozin and metformin.
- Synjardy, a combination of empagliflozin and metformin.
- Kazano, which combines alogliptin and metformin pairs a DPP-4 inhibitor with metformin.
These medications lower blood sugar through multiple mechanisms and may help reduce insulin resistance..
SGLT2 inhibitors
SGLT2 inhibitors help the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine. They are known for modest weight loss and cardiovascular benefits.
Notable prescriptions include:
- Jardiance, widely prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Steglatro, another SGLT2 inhibitor used alone or in combination.
- Other examples that are widely used include: Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Invokana (canagliflozin).
Many people searching for weight loss diabetes drugs learn about this class because of its additional benefits beyond glucose control.
DPP-4 inhibitors
DPP-4 inhibitors work by increasing insulin release and decreasing glucagon levels after meals.
Examples include:
- Sitagliptin, brand name Januvia and Zituvio, is one of the most prescribed drugs in this category.
- Other DPP-4 inhibitors that are widely used include: Onglyza (saxagliptin), Tradjenta (linagliptin), and Nesina (alogliptin).
These medications are generally well tolerated and do not usually cause weight gain. They are often used in people who want steady glucose control with fewer side effects.
Alpha glucosidase inhibitors
These drugs slow carbohydrate absorption in the intestines.
Examples include:
- Precose.
- Acarbose.
Although effective for post meal glucose spikes, they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Injectable diabetes treatments
Injectable medications are often introduced when oral drugs are not enough to control blood sugar or when A1C remains high.
Insulin options
Insulin therapy is essential for many people with advanced type 2 diabetes.
Common prescriptions include:
- Tresiba, a long acting insulin that provides steady glucose control.
- Novolin N, an intermediate acting insulin often used in structured dosing plans.
Insulin can significantly reduce A1C but requires careful monitoring.
Combination injectable therapies
Some newer injectables combine insulin with other glucose lowering agents.
Xultophy is one example. It combines insulin degludec with liraglutide, offering both basal insulin coverage and appetite related benefits. These products may help reduce the number of injections while improving outcomes.
Inhaled insulin
Afrezza is an inhaled insulin option taken at mealtime. It offers rapid absorption and avoids injections for prandial insulin. It is not suitable for everyone, especially those with lung conditions, but it adds flexibility to diabetes treatment options.
Comparing oral and injectable diabetes medications
Many people ask how oral and injectable diabetes medications compare. The answer depends on individual needs, glucose targets, and tolerance.
Oral vs. Injectable Diabetes Medications
Side effects of common type 2 diabetes medications
Understanding diabetes medication side effects is a key part of choosing the best diabetes medication.
Common side effects by category include:
- Metformin based drugs may cause nausea or diarrhea initially.
- SGLT2 inhibitors can increase urination and risk of genital infections.
- DPP-4 inhibitors are generally mild but may cause joint pain in rare cases.
- Insulin can lead to hypoglycemia and weight gain.
- Alpha glucosidase inhibitors often cause bloating or gas.
Balancing benefits and side effects is easier when medications are affordable.
New diabetes drugs and evolving treatment trends
New diabetes drugs continue to emerge, focusing on cardiovascular protection, kidney health, and weight management. While this guide highlights established medications like Jardiance, Steglatro, and Synjardy, ongoing research is expanding options for personalized care.
Patients interested in the best diabetes medication should talk with their healthcare provider about newer therapies and whether they fit personal health goals.
What are the most effective prescriptions for type 2 diabetes?
Effectiveness depends on individual response. Many people see strong A1C reductions with metformin combinations, SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance, or insulin therapies such as Tresiba.
Are there medications that help with weight loss?
Yes. SGLT2 inhibitors and combination therapies like Xultophy may support modest weight loss alongside glucose control. Newer agents in the GLP class have shown extraordinary effectiveness in glycemic control and weight loss as well.
What is the best medication with fewer side effects?
DPP-4 inhibitors like Januvia and Zituvio are often well tolerated. However, effectiveness and side effects vary by person.
Type 2 Diabetes Medication
Choosing among type 2 diabetes medications is a collaborative process between patient and provider. Options range from oral diabetes drugs such as Precose and Acarbose to injectable diabetes treatments like Tresiba, Novolin N, Afrezza, and Xultophy. Combination products like Segluromet, Synjardy, Steglujan, and Kazano offer convenience and effectiveness.
This story was produced by SaveHealth and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
