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
What are insulin pumps and how do they work for diabetes management?Insulin pumps have been available in Canada for the treatment of diabetes since the 1980’s. For some people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, insulin pumps may be a welcome alternative to needles or pens.
Medication interactions with grapefruitGrapefruit and grapefruit juice have been associated with a number of drug interactions.
Disposal of sharps and unused medicationsEach year, approximately 7 million syringes are used at home in Canada for healthcare purposes. Improper disposal of syringes and other sharps poses a health hazard for community and sanitation workers.
5 good reasons to stick with one pharmacyDo you use two or more pharmacies for your prescriptions?
Simplify your life with medication synchronizationDo you ever find yourself picking up medication prescriptions on different days? Did you ever wonder if you could arrange for your chronic medications to be picked up all at the same time?
I hope I will feel okay after starting insulinHas your healthcare team talked to you about adding insulin to your treatment regimen? Many people have different thoughts about starting insulin.
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.
Once-weekly insulin: a new option for Canadians with diabetesDiabetes affects millions of people in Canada, and insulin therapy is often a central component of its management.
What's the rush for diabetes medications?Individuals who are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can expect to be placed on medications much more quickly than in the past.
What to do if drugs are left in the freezing cold?Most prescription drugs come with clear storage instructions. Depending on the specific medications, you may be advised to keep them in a cool, dry place or in the fridge.
