Diabetes Medicines
Answers to common questions about diabetes medicines.
Questions on this page
Do all people with diabetes need tablets?
No.
Treatment depends on the type of diabetes, glucose levels, weight, kidney function, heart health and other factors.
Is metformin safe?
Metformin is a commonly used diabetes medicine and is suitable for many people with Type 2 diabetes.
Its use needs to be assessed in people with significant kidney impairment or certain other medical conditions.
What are SGLT2 inhibitors?
SGLT2 inhibitors are medicines that help the kidneys remove some glucose through urine.
Some medicines in this group also provide important heart and kidney benefits in appropriate patients.
What are GLP-1 receptor agonists?
These medicines can improve glucose control, reduce appetite and help with weight loss.
Some also have cardiovascular benefits in appropriate patients.
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a medicine that acts on both GIP and GLP-1 pathways.
It can improve glucose control and produce substantial weight loss in appropriate patients.
Do diabetes medicines damage the kidneys?
Most diabetes medicines do not damage the kidneys when appropriately prescribed.
In fact, some modern medicines can help protect kidney function in selected people.
Do I have to take diabetes medicines lifelong?
Not necessarily.
Some people can reduce medicines after significant weight loss or improvement in metabolic health.
Others need long-term treatment. It depends on the type and progression of diabetes.