Diabetes Medications and Pharmacy Information

Diabetes care often involves ongoing medication management. Depending on the individual, treatment may involve one or more medication classes, and the American Diabetes Association recommends a person-centered approach that considers treatment goals, cardiovascular and kidney health, weight, hypoglycemia risk, side effects, cost, access, and patient preferences.

For day-to-day medication organization, it helps to keep an up-to-date list of:

• prescription medications and current strengths;
• insulin or other injectable products, if used;
• nonprescription medicines and supplements;
• allergies and previous medication reactions;
• refill information and the prescribers involved in care.

Coverage can change between plans and over time. A medication that is covered under one formulary or tier may have different requirements or out-of-pocket costs under another plan. Checking the current formulary, pharmacy network, and refill details can prevent avoidable delays.

Pharmacists can be part of the broader medication-management team by reviewing the prescription being dispensed, identifying medication-related questions that need follow-up, and helping patients understand product and refill information.

This page is a pharmacy-information resource, not a replacement for an individualized diabetes treatment plan. Glycemic goals and medication choices should be individualized with the treating healthcare team.

Sources

• American Diabetes Association — Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/Supplement_1/S183/163934/9-Pharmacologic-Approaches-to-Glycemic-Treatment
• American Diabetes Association — Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, Glycemic Goals: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/Supplement_1/S132/163927/6-Glycemic-Goals-Hypoglycemia-and-Hyperglycemic