Home > Your diabetes > Medications
Diabetes medications
Diabetes medications can help you manage your glucose levels and reduce the risk of long-term diabetes complications.
There are several different types of diabetes medications and your GP, pharmacist or diabetes care team can help you find the treatment that works best for you.
Understanding how your medications work — and how to take them correctly — can help you feel more confident managing your diabetes.
Types of diabetes medications
Tablets and non-insulin injectable medications
Many people living with type 2 diabetes take tablets or other non-insulin injectable medicines. These medications may help your body use insulin more effectively, reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver or slow the absorption of glucose from food in the gut.
Examples include:
• Metformin
• SGLT2 inhibitors
• GLP-1 receptor agonists
• DPP-4 inhibitors
• Sulfonylureas
Your doctor will recommend the medication that best suits your health needs.
Insulin
Some people living with diabetes use insulin to help manage blood glucose levels. Insulin is given by injections.
Insulin is essential for people living with type 1 diabetes and can also be a helpful treatment option for some people with type 2 diabetes.
Starting insulin can be overwhelming, but your diabetes care team will help you understand when insulin may be needed and how to use it safely.
Finding help
Common questions about diabetes medications
Many people have questions about their medications, including:
- What side effects might occur
- What to do if you miss a dose
- How to remember to take medication regularly
- Whether medications will change over time
- How much your medication will cost
If you are unsure about your medication, speak with your doctor, pharmacist or call our free helpline.
Making medications easier
We have developed a set of short videos and easy-to-read guides to help people with diabetes understand and manage their medications.
These resources include:
• tips for remembering medications
• information about common concerns and side effects
• videos explaining medications in simple terms
• translated resources for culturally and linguistically diverse communities
When to speak with your health professional
Diabetes WA Connect also links GPs and patients to the wider Diabetes WA support network.
Speak with your GP, pharmacist or diabetes educator if you:
• experience side effects
• miss doses regularly
• feel unsure about your medication
• have questions about how your medication works
This helps ensure patients can access the right support at the right time.
Support services
You can also access support through: