Diabetes medication: types, safety, and smart choices
Diabetes drugs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Which medicine you need depends on the type of diabetes, your kidney and heart health, and how you respond to treatment. I’ll keep this short and practical so you can spot the main options, common risks, and what to ask your pharmacist.
Types of diabetes medicines
Start with the basics: insulin and non-insulin drugs.
Metformin — often the first pill prescribed. It lowers liver glucose production and helps with weight control. Common side effects are stomach upset and a small risk of vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use.
Sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide) — they boost insulin release but can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and weight gain. Great if cost is a concern, but watch for lows.
DPP-4 inhibitors (eg, sitagliptin) — gentle on blood sugar and usually weight-neutral. Fewer side effects but modest glucose control compared to others.
GLP-1 receptor agonists (eg, semaglutide, liraglutide) — injectable or oral options that lower blood sugar and often help with weight loss. Nausea is common early on; they also show heart benefits in people with heart disease.
SGLT2 inhibitors (eg, empagliflozin) — taken as pills, they help kidneys remove excess glucose and lower heart-failure risks. Watch for genital yeast infections and rare cases of ketoacidosis.
Insulin — required for type 1 diabetes and sometimes for type 2. Fast-acting, long-acting, and mixed insulins exist. Proper timing and dose adjustments matter to prevent highs and lows.
Practical tips for safe use and buying
Storage: Insulin needs refrigeration before opening and stable storage after first use. Check expiration dates on all meds and toss those that were left in hot cars or direct sunlight.
Hypoglycemia: If you use insulin or sulfonylureas, always carry fast sugar (glucose tablets or juice). Teach family or coworkers how to help in an emergency.
Interactions and tests: Tell your pharmacist about all meds and supplements. Kidney function and HbA1c guide drug choice and dose. Some medications need dose changes when your kidney function drops.
Buying meds: Use a licensed pharmacy and keep prescriptions current. Be cautious with online sellers — ask the pharmacist to verify credentials and check for a prescription requirement.
Talk to us: At Shiner Family Pharmacy we can review your medicines, show injection technique, suggest safer options if you have kidney or heart disease, and help with adherence tools like pill boxes or reminders.
If you have specific questions about a drug or a side effect, contact the pharmacy or schedule a brief consult. Small changes in medicine or timing can make a big difference in daily life.
