There are several types of diabetes medications available in Canada. Your doctor may also prescribe medications for other related conditions. These include both pills and injections.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin as well as dietary changes and exercise.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is managed with medications taken by mouth (pills) and/or injections (insulin or other injectable medications) or via a combination, in addition to healthy diet, exercise and weight loss. Medications help lower blood sugar levels. Some of the newer medications also help to protect the heart and the kidneys.
Learn more about oral medications for type 2 diabetes
Learn more about insulin and other injectables
Gestational diabetes
Some women will require insulin injections or oral medications to help control blood glucose levels during pregnancy.
Learn more about gestational diabetes.
Other medications
Other medications may also be prescribed such as cholesterol-lowering medications, blood pressure medications and antidepressants. There are also several vaccines that are recommended for people with diabetes.
Medication articles
Learning about insulinInsulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels. It acts as the ‘key’ that ‘unlocks’ the cells, allowing glucose to enter and provide energy for the body’s various functions.
Diabetes medications during pregnancy and breastfeedingIf you have diabetes and are planning on having a baby, there are some things you should know about medications and blood glucose control.
Diabetes emergency plan checklistIn the event of an emergency, people with diabetes should be prepared with the essentials to help manage their condition. Read this article to learn how to prepare your diabetes emergency plan.
Storing diabetes medications and supplies in the summer heatDo you know extreme temperatures will make diabetes medications and blood glucose testing strips lose their effectiveness?
Understanding biologic and biosimilar medicationsBiologic medications are unique. Many of them have been a major breakthrough in treating chronic medical conditions and have improved the quality of life for many people.
Diabetes and getting your flu and COVID vaccinesAs we head into winter and spend more time indoors, communicable respiratory diseases increase. This is the time to remember how to protect ourselves from some viruses.
Common blood pressure medications for people with diabetesAs many as 2 in 3 people with diabetes report that they also have hypertension (high blood pressure). Unfortunately, the two combined can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, it is important to know how to prevent or treat high blood pressure if you have diabetes.
Tips for starting on metforminMetformin, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, is a medicine in a class called “biguanides.” It lowers blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose that your liver releases into the bloodstream.
What's the difference between a generic and a brand medication?Has your pharmacist ever suggested that you could save money by switching to a generic diabetes medication instead of the brand name your health professional has recommended? Most of us have been in this situation and may have had slight concerns about whether to follow the advice.
What are the medication options for type 2 diabetes?Diabetes management has shifted away from a “one size fits all” model to a more individualized approach for each patient. Several important considerations including efficacy, cost, adverse effects, and potential benefits relevant to each patients’ needs will be examined throughout this blog.
