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
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 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.
When basal insulin is not enough for managing your type 2 diabetesAre you using insulin to manage your type 2 diabetes? Are you reaching your blood glucose targets? You may wonder, what is next after insulin?
Insulin Use in the Management of Diabetes: 100 years of EvolutionThe two recent blogs about the discovery of insulin 100 years ago and the development of newer formulations and devices for insulin use, have underscored the initial lifesaving use of insulin. This blog will look at the evolution of the uses of insulin.
Insulin medication and device improvements over the yearsInsulin was first discovered in 1921. Since then, medical and technological advancements have made it even more effective for people with diabetes. Read this expert blog to learn about insulin improvements over the years.
100 years after the discovery of insulin: what does the future hold?Canadians have many claims to fame, but none are more important than the discovery of insulin in 1921. At a time when the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes meant a life of starvation and almost certain death, four scientists at the University of Toronto made a breakthrough that truly changed the world.
How can you take charge of your diabetes?People who have diabetes are encouraged to become the captain of their own ship. This means that you need to steer your diabetes management towards the goals you have set for yourself and work with all members of your crew, i.e. your diabetes healthcare team.
Insulin pump coverage in CanadaSeveral provinces in Canada cover the costs of insulin pumps for select groups of people with diabetes. Discover if you are eligible.
