Diabetes is a condition that affects some 1.5 million Australians. One of the most important aspects of diabetes is keeping your glucose levels in your target range to keep your body healthy. Some people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes can manage this through diet and exercise alone. However, many people need medications to help manage blood glucose levels, and people with type 1 diabetes need insulin because their bodies do not make any. This article explains the different types of medications available and why it is important to take them as prescribed. 

Types of medications 

There are several different types of diabetes medications, including tablets, insulin, and other injectable medications that are not insulin. 

Oral medications 

These are tablets commonly used for type 2 diabetes. They are grouped in different classes, listed below, according to how they work in your body. They work in different ways to lower glucose levels and have different benefits and side effects. 

Biguanides (for example, Metformin)

Lower your glucose by: 

• Blocking the release of glucose from the liver. 

• Slowing the release of glucose from carbohydrate foods from the gut. 

• Helping your insulin to work better. 

Sulphonylureas (for example, Diamicron)

Helps the pancreas to release more insulin. 

DPP-4 inhibitors (for example, Januvia)

Work by: 

• Stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. 

• Blocking the release of glucose from the liver. 

SGLT2 inhibitors (for example, Jardiance)

Allows more glucose to escape via the urine. 

Thiazolidinediones (for example, Actos)

Work by: 

• Decreasing glucose release from the liver.  

• Helping your insulin to work better. 

Insulin 

Insulin is a hormone that helps lower blood glucose. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin because their bodies do not make any insulin. Many people with type 2 diabetes also need insulin if other medications do not control their blood glucose. There are different types of insulin: 

Type of insulin	Starts to work	How long it works
Rapid acting	Less than 15 minutes	3-4 hours
Short acting	30-60 minutes	6-8 hours
Intermediate acting	2-4 hours	12-24 hours
Long acting	1-2 hours	24 hours or longer
Pre-mixed (mix of rapid and long acting)	Less than 15 minutes	24 hours or longer

Injectable medications that are not insulin 

GLP-1 agonists (for example, Ozempic)

Work by: 

• Blocking the release of glucose from the liver. 

• Slowing glucose release from the gut and helping you feel full. 

• Stimulating the release of insulin from your pancreas. 

GLP-1/GIP agonists (for example, Mounjaro)

Work by targeting two hormones in the gut, GLP-1 and GIP. 

• GLP-1 helps to lower blood glucose and helps you to feel full. 

• GIP stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas. 

Each type of medication has its own benefits and side effects. Your doctor chooses them based on your health status and treatment goals. 

Take your medications as prescribed 

It is very important to take your diabetes medications as your doctor prescribes. Missing doses, not taking them regularly, or changing doses without telling your doctor can make your blood glucose harder to manage. This may lead to serious diabetes-related problems including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems. When you take your medications as prescribed you will get the best results and improve your quality of life in the short and long term.  

Diabetes can get harder to manage over time, so treatment plans may need to change. Keep having regular check-ups with your doctor to ensure your treatment is working well, and allow for changes if needed. 

As well as taking medications, it’s important to: 

• Eat a healthy diet 

• Exercise regularly 

• Check your blood glucose if required 

• Avoid smoking 

Further information 

If you would like some help with making lifestyle changes, ask your doctor to refer you to a diabetes educator, dietitian or exercise physiologist through a Chronic Disease Management Plan. These visits are subsidised, in part, by Medicare. 

The NDSS also offers the MedSmart and Living with Insulin programs that will help you further understand your medications. You can attend either a face to face session or online. To find these programs and more near you, visit events.ndss.com.au 

Should you have any questions about diabetes, call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700, and ask to speak with a diabetes educator, dietitian or exercise physiologist. he NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700, and ask to speak with a Diabetes Educator, Dietitian or Exercise Physiologist.

By Vania Khoury Credentialled Diabetes Educator and Registered Nurse