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Types of non-insulin medications
Learn about the medications that can help you meet your target blood sugar goals. You and your doctor will share the decision about which drugs you take for your treatment.
If you’re taking any of the drugs below, it’s important to know when to take them and how much you should be taking. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Side effects: Not everyone has side effects, and in most cases, a medication’s benefits outweigh those side effects. Work with your doctor and care team to find medications that best fit your needs.
Metformin, Metformin Extended Release
Brand name: Glucophage, Glucophage XR
How it works: Slows down the release of sugar from your liver and helps your body use insulin better. It may also improve your cholesterol and help you lose a little weight.
Possible side effects: Upset stomach, nausea, bloating, gas, diarrhea, loss of appetite, unpleasant or metallic taste (usually goes away over time), or a loss of vitamin B12
Glipizide, Glyburide, Glimepiride
How it works: Helps your pancreas release insulin and continues lowering blood sugar up to 24 hours after it’s taken.
Glipizide/Metformin
Brand name: Metaglip
How it works: A mix of two different medicines in one tablet. It helps your pancreas release insulin, slows down the release of sugar from your liver, and helps your body use insulin better.
Possible side effects: Upset stomach, nausea, bloating, gas, diarrhea, loss of appetite, unpleasant or metallic taste (usually goes away over time), a loss of vitamin B12, low blood sugar, skin rash, weight gain, or a sensitivity to the sun
Pioglitazone
Brand name: Actos
How it works: Makes your body more sensitive to insulin. It may also increase your HDL cholesterol (the good kind).
Possible side effects: Fluid retention, weight gain, swelling, fractures, or an increased risk of heart failure (especially if you’re already at risk)
Linagliptin
Brand name: Tradjenta
How it works: Helps increase a hormone to create more insulin and slows down release of stored sugar in your body.
Possible side effects: Sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, upset stomach, diarrhea, or acute pancreatitis
Acarbose
Brand name: Precose
How it works: Slows the breakdown of carbohydrates (sugar) into your blood.
Possible side effects: Upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
Empagliflozin
Brand name: Jardiance
How it works: Stops your kidneys from taking in sugar. May also help lower blood pressure so you lose weight.
Possible side effects: Urinary tract or yeast infections
Liraglutide
Brand name: Victoza
How it works: Helps increase the amount of insulin and decrease the amount of glucagon (which stops your body from releasing insulin) that your body releases. It also slows the speed that your stomach empties.
Possible side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, constipation
Are you pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding? Talk to your doctor before taking any of these or other medications.