Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOral MedicinesNewer InsulinsInjectablesFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Diabetes GuideWhen to See an Endocrinologist for Diabetes
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Oral Medicines
Newer Insulins
Injectables
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Diabetes Guide
There are a variety of medications that have been developed in recent years for the treatment and management ofdiabetes, a condition where too much sugar ends up in the blood. Withtype 1 diabetes, the body makes very little or noinsulin, a hormone that helps process blood sugar so it can be used for energy. Intype 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use insulin properly.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
This article covers the newest medications for diabetes. It also explains recommended dosage and potential side effects.
Oral Diabetes Medications
There are a variety oforal medicationsthat are used totreat type 2 diabetes.
Steglatro (Ertugliflozin)
Steglatro (ertugliflozin) was approved in 2017. This drug is prescribed, in addition to diet and exercise, to improve the blood sugar levels of adults living with type 2 diabetes. It is not recommended for individuals with type 1 diabetes.
With this medicine:
Glyxambi (Empagliflozin and Linagliptin)
Glyxambi (empagliflozin and linagliptin) was approved in 2015. This drug is used along with exercise and diet to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Keep in mind:
Steglujan (Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin)
Steglujan (ertugliflozin and sitagliptin) was approved in 2017. It is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
With this medication:
Xigduo XR (Dapagliflozin and Metformin HCI Extended-Release)
Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin and metformin HCI extended-release)was approved in 2014. This drug contains both dapagliflozin andmetforminand is prescribed to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
It is not recommended for those with type 1 diabetes. This medication has a warning forlactic acidosis, a medical emergency that occurs when too much acid builds up in the blood. Dosage varies based on an individual’s current treatment.
Recall of Metformin Extended-ReleaseIn May 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that some makers of metformin extended-release voluntarily remove their products from the market due to high levels of an unsafe ingredient.If you currently take this medication, do not stop doing so, but be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
Recall of Metformin Extended-Release
In May 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that some makers of metformin extended-release voluntarily remove their products from the market due to high levels of an unsafe ingredient.If you currently take this medication, do not stop doing so, but be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
Synjardy (Empagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride)
Synjardy (empagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride) was approved in 2015. This drug is used to improve blood sugar levels, along with diet and exercise, in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is taken twice daily with food. This medication has a warning for lactic acidosis.
Segluromet (Ertugliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride)
Segluromet (ertugliflozin and metformin hydrochloride) was approved in 2017. It is used along with exercise and diet to improve the glycemic control of adults with type 2 diabetes. It may be recommended for individuals who have not seen better glycemic control with other medications. It is taken twice daily with food. This medication has a warning for lactic acidosis.
Lactic Acidosis WarningLactic acidosis is a medical emergency. Keep in mind that the following medicines carry a warning for lactic acidosis:Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin and metformin HCI extended-release)Synjardy (empagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride)Segluromet (ertugliflozin and metformin hydrochloride)
Lactic Acidosis Warning
Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency. Keep in mind that the following medicines carry a warning for lactic acidosis:Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin and metformin HCI extended-release)Synjardy (empagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride)Segluromet (ertugliflozin and metformin hydrochloride)
Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency. Keep in mind that the following medicines carry a warning for lactic acidosis:
Kerendia (Finerenone)
Kerendia (finerenone) was approved in July 2021. It is used to treat the loss of kidney function, orchronic kidney disease, in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also aims to reduce the risk of kidney failure,heart attack, and death due toheart conditions.
RecapThere are a variety of new oral medications that are FDA approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Be mindful of side effects, as well as warnings associated with each medication.
Recap
There are a variety of new oral medications that are FDA approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Be mindful of side effects, as well as warnings associated with each medication.
Newer Insulin Options
Each medication will vary in terms of how long it stays in the body and how quickly it begins working. Insulin may be inhaled or injected into the skin with a syringe or pen.
How Do Different Types of Insulin Work?
Afrezza (Inhaled Insulin)
Afrezza(inhaled insulin) was approved for use in 2014 to help manage high blood sugar levels in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is a fast-acting medication that is breathed in through the lungs.
Semglee (Insulin Glargine-Yfgn)
Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn) was approved in 2020 and is injected using a pre-filled pen. It is a synthetic, long-lasting insulin medication used to help manage high blood sugar in adults and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes, as well as adults with type 2 diabetes. Dosage will vary depending on the individual.
This medication:
Tresiba (Insulin Degludec Injection)
Tresiba (insulin degludec injection) was approved in 2015. It is a long-acting injectable insulin that is used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Dosage varies based on:
Xultophy (Insulin Degludec and Liraglutide Injection)
Xultophy (insulin degludec and liraglutide injection) was approved in 2016. It is an injectable long-acting insulin. Along with diet and exercise, it is used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Xultophy is not recommended as the first choice of medication for those who don’t see blood sugar control improvement with diet and exercise.
Warning: Risk of Thyroid TumorsAnimal studies show that liraglutide, an ingredient in Xultophy, causes thyroid C-cell tumors, which are abnormaltissue growths on the thyroid gland. It is not known whether Xultophy causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans.
Warning: Risk of Thyroid Tumors
Animal studies show that liraglutide, an ingredient in Xultophy, causes thyroid C-cell tumors, which are abnormaltissue growths on the thyroid gland. It is not known whether Xultophy causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans.
Toujeo (Insuline Glargine Injection)
Toujeo (insulin glargine injection) was approved in 2015 and is an injectable long-acting insulin. It is used for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control. It is administered once daily, at the same time every day.
RecapInsulin medications may be used to help stabilize blood sugar levels in those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Insulin medications may be inhaled or injected into the skin.
Insulin medications may be used to help stabilize blood sugar levels in those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Insulin medications may be inhaled or injected into the skin.
Latest Injectable Options for Diabetes
Injectable options are administered under the skin and treat individuals with type 2 diabetes.
BYDUREON BCise (Exenatide Extended-Release)
BYDUREON BCise (exenatide extended-release) was approved in 2005. It is an injection for adults with type 2 diabetes and is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels.
Warning: Risk of Thyroid TumorsIn animal studies, this medication led to thyroid C-cell tumors. It is not known whether it can cause this same effect in humans.
In animal studies, this medication led to thyroid C-cell tumors. It is not known whether it can cause this same effect in humans.
Soliqua (Insulin Glargine and Lixisenatide Injection)
Soliqua (insulin glargine and lixisenatide injection) was approved for use in 2016. It is an injection that contains a combination of long-acting insulin and a glucagon-like peptide, which is a hormone that triggers insulin release.
This medication is used along with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is not recommended for those withgastroparesis, a condition where the stomach cannot empty itself properly.
Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide)was approved in 2017. It is a glucagon-like peptide injection used along with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.The ADA recommends it for people who need to lose weight along with managing their blood sugar.
Warning: Risk of Thyroid TumorsSemaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in animals. It is not known whether Ozempic causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans.
Semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in animals. It is not known whether Ozempic causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)is the first and only GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist FDA-approved for use in addition to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Mounjaro is available in six doses (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg) as a once-weekly injection to be used any time of day, with or without meals. It comes in an auto-injector pen with a pre-attached, hidden needle that doesn’t need to be handled or seen.
Warning: Risk of Thyroid TumorsMounjaro may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Do not use Mounjaro if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).Do not use Mounjaro if you havemultiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Mounjaro may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Do not use Mounjaro if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).Do not use Mounjaro if you havemultiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Mounjaro may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Do not use Mounjaro if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
Do not use Mounjaro if you havemultiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
RecapInjectable options treat those with type 2 diabetes. Side effects can range from mild to severe. The FDA approved updates post-marketing label of Ozempic to note the potential increased risk of intestinal blockage. The condition, called ileus, occurs when there are problems pushing food through the intestine and can cause build-up and blockage there. The weight loss drugWegovy, which has the same active ingredient as Ozempic, and the diabetes drugMounjarohave listed ileus on their safety labels.
Injectable options treat those with type 2 diabetes. Side effects can range from mild to severe. The FDA approved updates post-marketing label of Ozempic to note the potential increased risk of intestinal blockage. The condition, called ileus, occurs when there are problems pushing food through the intestine and can cause build-up and blockage there. The weight loss drugWegovy, which has the same active ingredient as Ozempic, and the diabetes drugMounjarohave listed ileus on their safety labels.
Summary
What is considered the best may differ from person to person. When reviewing which medication is the best option for you, you may want to think about cost, side effects, and how the medication is administered.
Oral medications that don’t contain metformin include Steglatro (ertuglifozin), Glyxambi (empaglifozin and linagliptin), Kerendia (finerenone), and Steglujan (ertugliflozin and sitagliptin). If you would like to switch medications, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
20 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.9. Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment:Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024.Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S158-S178. doi:10.2337/dc24-S009Food and Drug Administration.Steglatro label.Food and Drug Administration.Glyxambi label.Food and Drug Administration.Steglujan label.Food and Drug Administration.Xigduo xr label.Food and Drug Administration.FDA alerts patients and health care professionals to nitrosamine impurity findings in certain metformin extended-release products.Food and Drug Administration.Synjardy label.Food and Drug Administration.Segluromet label.Food and Drug Administration.Kerendia label.MedlinePlus.Human insulin injection.Food and Drug Administration.Afrezza label.Food and Drug Administration.Semglee label.Food and Drug Administration.Tresiba label.Food and Drug Administration.Xultophy label.Food and Drug Administration.Toujeo label.Food and Drug Administration.Bydureon label.Food and Drug Administration.Soliqua label.Food and Drug Administration.Ozempic label.Cision US, Inc.FDA approves Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection, the first and only GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.Harvard Health Publishing.Type 2 diabetes: which medication is best for me?
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.9. Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment:Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024.Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S158-S178. doi:10.2337/dc24-S009Food and Drug Administration.Steglatro label.Food and Drug Administration.Glyxambi label.Food and Drug Administration.Steglujan label.Food and Drug Administration.Xigduo xr label.Food and Drug Administration.FDA alerts patients and health care professionals to nitrosamine impurity findings in certain metformin extended-release products.Food and Drug Administration.Synjardy label.Food and Drug Administration.Segluromet label.Food and Drug Administration.Kerendia label.MedlinePlus.Human insulin injection.Food and Drug Administration.Afrezza label.Food and Drug Administration.Semglee label.Food and Drug Administration.Tresiba label.Food and Drug Administration.Xultophy label.Food and Drug Administration.Toujeo label.Food and Drug Administration.Bydureon label.Food and Drug Administration.Soliqua label.Food and Drug Administration.Ozempic label.Cision US, Inc.FDA approves Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection, the first and only GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.Harvard Health Publishing.Type 2 diabetes: which medication is best for me?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.9. Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment:Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024.Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S158-S178. doi:10.2337/dc24-S009Food and Drug Administration.Steglatro label.Food and Drug Administration.Glyxambi label.Food and Drug Administration.Steglujan label.Food and Drug Administration.Xigduo xr label.Food and Drug Administration.FDA alerts patients and health care professionals to nitrosamine impurity findings in certain metformin extended-release products.Food and Drug Administration.Synjardy label.Food and Drug Administration.Segluromet label.Food and Drug Administration.Kerendia label.MedlinePlus.Human insulin injection.Food and Drug Administration.Afrezza label.Food and Drug Administration.Semglee label.Food and Drug Administration.Tresiba label.Food and Drug Administration.Xultophy label.Food and Drug Administration.Toujeo label.Food and Drug Administration.Bydureon label.Food and Drug Administration.Soliqua label.Food and Drug Administration.Ozempic label.Cision US, Inc.FDA approves Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection, the first and only GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.Harvard Health Publishing.Type 2 diabetes: which medication is best for me?
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.9. Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment:Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024.Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S158-S178. doi:10.2337/dc24-S009
Food and Drug Administration.Steglatro label.
Food and Drug Administration.Glyxambi label.
Food and Drug Administration.Steglujan label.
Food and Drug Administration.Xigduo xr label.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA alerts patients and health care professionals to nitrosamine impurity findings in certain metformin extended-release products.
Food and Drug Administration.Synjardy label.
Food and Drug Administration.Segluromet label.
Food and Drug Administration.Kerendia label.
MedlinePlus.Human insulin injection.
Food and Drug Administration.Afrezza label.
Food and Drug Administration.Semglee label.
Food and Drug Administration.Tresiba label.
Food and Drug Administration.Xultophy label.
Food and Drug Administration.Toujeo label.
Food and Drug Administration.Bydureon label.
Food and Drug Administration.Soliqua label.
Food and Drug Administration.Ozempic label.
Cision US, Inc.FDA approves Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection, the first and only GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.
Harvard Health Publishing.Type 2 diabetes: which medication is best for me?
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