Oral Treatment
Many people with type 2 diabetes still create insulin, but their bodies either do not make enough or do not use it as effectively as they should.
Often, healthcare professionals start people with diabetes on a therapy of diet and exercise. If these are not enough, the healthcare professional may prescribe oral medications. If medication still does not help control blood sugar levels, insulin may be added to a person’s therapy.
Today’s oral drugs offer more options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Because various medications work in different ways—some help your pancreas release more insulin, while others help your muscles use insulin better—healthcare professionals may be able to add drugs together for better results. While on oral medication for diabetes, frequently checking your blood sugar helps you know if the medicine is working.
References:
1. Oral Medication Pathways and Combination Therapies: American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care, 2026;49(Suppl. 1).
Available at https://diabetesjournals.org/care/issue. Accessed on July 1, 2026
2. Oral Medications for Type 2 Diabetes: American Diabetes Association (ADA). What Are My Options for Type 2 Diabetes Medications? available at https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-care/oral-medicatio…. Accessed on July 1, 2026.
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