Medications for type 2 diabetes

There are different treatments available to help you manage type 2 diabetes. Everyone is different, so treatment will vary depending on your needs.

When you’re first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you may not need medication as lifestyle changes could be all you need. But at some point, most people with type 2 diabetes also need to take medication to keep their blood sugar levels healthy. This doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, but your body just needs some help to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range and reduce the risk of complications.

There are a number of medications you can be prescribed and below is a list with how you should be taking them.

For more information, please see information on medication.

For more specific medications, see information on Metformin and information on Insulin.

Issues with medications

Do not stop taking any medications without speaking to a Health Care Professional. You can get advice from community pharmacists as no appointments are required, and some have extended opening hours. Also:

• order medications in good time and don’t leave it till last minute
• most side effects if mild may settle with time, persevere for some time and seek advice if not settling
• try and have a routine
• try and synchronise all medications so that they are all issued at the same time from your GPs
• seek advice about storage of certain medications like insulin and injectable medications
• your community pharmacist can advise on most medications

Medicine sick day guidance

If you are taking any medication for diabetes, please speak to a health care professional if you become unwell with any of the following:

• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• fever
• not able to eat or drink
• symptoms of a urinary or genital tract infection
• abdominal pain
• feeling very tired or breathless

For more information on medications with sickness.

Taking certain medicines when dehydrated or very unwell can result in you developing a more serious illness. If you are unwell (too unwell to go to work or carry out normal daily activities) and especially if you have vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever, you should temporarily stop the medication lists below:

• Metformin
• SGLT2 (Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, Canagliflozin).
• GLP1 (Mounjaro, Ozempic, Trulicity)

Once you are better and can drink normally you should re-start your medicines. If you remain unwell after 48 hours, or are unsure about restarting, seek medical advice from your GP, Pharmacy, NHS 111 or specialist nurse.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis  (DKA) which can be referred to as diabetic ketoacidosis is a rare, but serious and sometimes life-threatening condition that can happen when you have diabetes. diabetic ketoacidosis happens when your body is lacking insulin and cannot use sugar for energy and starts burning fat instead, producing acidic ketones that build up in your blood making it dangerously acidic. It is more commonly seen with type 1 diabetes, but you can still be affected with type 2.

Learn more about diabetic ketoacidosis.

Information on prescriptions

Information prescriptions offer personalised advice on managing diabetes based on your latest test results. These include tips on improving diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Treatment options for weight loss

The main treatment for managing blood sugar levels if you have type 2 diabetes is weight loss and full information on weight loss management can be accessed through Diabetes UK.

You can also access a free 12-week weight management programme though NHS Better Health.

Page last reviewed: July 08, 2026
Next review due: July 08, 2027