Medications for Type 2 Diabetes

Dapagliflozin

SGLT2 inhibitor for diabetes, heart failure, and kidney protection

Dulaglutide

Once-weekly GLP-1 agonist for type 2 diabetes (Trulicity)

Empagliflozin

SGLT2 inhibitor that lowers blood sugar and protects the heart and kidneys

Exenatide

GLP-1 agonist available as twice-daily or once-weekly injection

Gliclazide

Sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin release from the pancreas

Glimepiride

Sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin secretion

Insulin Aspart

Rapid-acting mealtime insulin (NovoRapid) for post-meal glucose control

Insulin Degludec

Ultra-long-acting basal insulin (Tresiba) with flexible dosing

Insulin Glargine

Long-acting basal insulin (Lantus, Toujeo) for once-daily blood sugar control

Insulin Lispro

Rapid-acting mealtime insulin (Humalog) taken before meals

Liraglutide

GLP-1 receptor agonist for diabetes (Victoza) and weight loss (Saxenda)

Metformin

First-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes that improves insulin sensitivity

Pioglitazone

Thiazolidinedione that improves insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat

Semaglutide

GLP-1 receptor agonist for diabetes and weight management — active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy

Sitagliptin

DPP-4 inhibitor that helps regulate blood sugar after meals

Tirzepatide

Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound

Vildagliptin

DPP-4 inhibitor that increases insulin production after meals