If your provider determines diabetes medication is appropriate for you, they may prescribe or refill medication based on your health history, current treatment, and individual needs.

Common diabetes medications include:

• Metformin
• Sulfonylureas (Glucotrol XL, Amaryl)
• Insulin (Tresiba, NovoLog, Humulin R, Lantus)
• SGLT-2 inhibitors (Jardiance, Invokana)
• GLP-1s and related medications (Ozempic, Mounjaro)
• DPP-4 inhibitors (Januvia)
• Combination medications, such as glyburide-metformin and sitagliptin-metformin (Janumet)

There isn't one best medication for everyone with type 2 diabetes. The right treatment depends on factors such as your blood sugar levels, medical history, current medications, and health conditions, including heart or kidney disease.

Common options may include metformin, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Mounjaro, SGLT-2 inhibitors like Jardiance, or sulfonylureas. A provider can help determine which treatment may be appropriate for you.

While there is no cure for diabetes, type 2 diabetes can sometimes go into remission, meaning blood sugar levels stay in a healthy range without medication.

Your provider can review your health history, symptoms, and lifestyle and recommend an ongoing diabetes management plan. This may include lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Diabetes requires ongoing medical care. A licensed provider can help determine whether medication, blood sugar monitoring, or other treatments are appropriate and refer you to a specialist if needed.

Possible complications from diabetes include:

• Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke
• Kidney disease
• Eye disease, which can lead to vision loss
• Nerve damage, which may cause tingling, numbness, or pain
• Foot problems, including poor circulation and wounds that are slow to heal
• Skin conditions, including bacterial and fungal infections