Diabetes Medications

Diabetes Medications
Commonly Used Diabetes Medications
Metformin
Metformin is a well-studied, generic drug, used by millions of people around the world.

Insulin
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that faciliates glucose uptake into the body's cells. Most insulin is taken by injection or through a pump.

SGLT-2 Inhibitors
SGLT-2 inhibitors are a type of oral medication that people with type 2 diabetes can use to lower blood sugar levels.

GLP-1s and Other Incretins
Incretins are a medication class that can help people lower blood glucose, lose weight, and improve heart or kidney risk.

DPP-4 Inhibitors
DPP-4 inhibitors are a type of medication that people with type 2 diabetes can use to lower blood sugar levels.

Glucagon
Glucagon is used to treat dangerously low blood sugar. Newer ready-to-use glucagon options offer more convenience for people with diabetes.

Latest Stories About Diabetes Medications
See All Diabetes Medications News
Ozempic Slows Kidney Disease, Now FDA Approved for CKD
Key takeaways:
- People with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) who took Ozempic (semaglutide) slowed the progression of kidney disease by 24% and cut their risk of death from kidney disease.
- Patients who took Ozempic versus placebo also cut their risk of major heart problems by 18%.
- The latest: Newly FDA approved for CKD, Ozempic is the first GLP-1 drug that’s been approved to reduce the progression of kidney disease and risk of cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Top Diabetes Drugs Anticipated To Get Lower Medicare Pricing
Key takeaways:
- The latest: Lower prices for 15 more medications – including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus – are expected to be negotiated for 2027 as part of ongoing Medicare drug price negotiations.
- Reduced prices for 10 drugs covered under Medicare (including Jardiance, Farxiga, Januvia, rapid-acting insulin NovoLog, and ultra-rapid Fiasp) are scheduled to go into effect in 2026.
- People on Medicare paid roughly $3.4 billion in total out-of-pocket costs in 2022 for the drugs on the list. The new prices would save some people hundreds of dollars per month.