If you have Type 2 diabetes, you manage it by eating a healthy diet, staying active and keeping in touch with your health care team. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help you manage your blood sugar and maintain a healthy weight.
Type 2 diabetes medications may be oral (taken by mouth) or injectable (a shot).
Some commonly used Type 2 diabetes medications include:
- Metformin
- Sulfonylureas
- Thiazolidinediones
- GLP-1 agonists
- Insulin therapy
Experiencing Diabetes Medication Side Effects
Adverse side effects of medications can negatively impact your life. Managing your medication’s side effects is important so you’re not tempted to stop taking them or reduce your dosage without your doctor’s orders. Learn to cope with side effects like headache, nausea, weight fluctuations and low blood sugar.
Common Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea or fullness, constipation and diarrhea
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Weight gain
- Skin reactions, such as rash or hives
Tips for Managing Side Effects
While it’s not always possible to completely sidestep the side effects of your medications, you can reduce the chances of them happening or cope with them after the fact.
You should always take your medication as directed by your doctor. Do not adjust dosages or skip a dose. Ask your provider how to best manage your side effects.
Headache
- Stay hydrated
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers
If your medication causes a headache, try taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Ask a health care professional which medication may be safe for you to take based on your medical issues.
If you are taking a sulfonylurea, headache may be a sign of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar level. If it’s below 70 mg/dL, take action to raise it. See below on how to raise it.
Gastrointestinal Issues
- Stay hydrated
- Take medication with food if directed
- Eat small meals
- Avoid fried foods, alcohol and dairy products
- Take over-the-counter stool softeners and fiber supplements like Metamucil if constipated
Always take medications as directed. Some medications are made to be taken with food – not on an empty stomach. Medications like metformin may cause GI issues like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting and so should always be taken with food. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you have vomiting and diarrhea, which can contribute to dehydration.
Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a common side effect of sulfonylureas. While taking this medication, eat three regular meals a day. It may help to measure your blood glucose before taking the medication to ensure you’re in a healthy range.
Low blood sugar is treated by eating or drinking sugar/carbohydrates (complex sugar). You can do this by drinking 4 ounces of regular soda or juice, or eating 1 tablespoon of syrup, honey or sugar.
Weight Fluctuations
Some diabetes medications may cause weight changes. Generally speaking, GLP-1 agonists and metformin tend to cause weight loss, while insulin, thiazolidindiones and sulfonylureas cause weight gain. According to one study, people taking insulin tend to gain about 4 pounds over the course of their first year on the medication.
It’s important to stay physically active and eat a nutritious diet while taking your medications. This helps ensure the medicine works to the best of its ability and that you are managing your diabetes on multiple fronts. Also, weighing yourself on a regular basis can help.
Ask Your Care Team
When in doubt, contact your care team with any questions you have regarding your medication. University Health patients have 24/7 access to a nurse through NurseLink, our phone triage system. Call 210-358-3000 to speak with a nurse.
For many, these side effects will resolve on their own with time. If your side effects are severe, consider speaking with your doctor about lowering your dosage, or switching to a different medication.
Medication-Specific Side Effects
Side Effects of Metformin
Metformin is the most commonly prescribed oral medication to treat Type 2 diabetes. It is also referred to by its brand names: Glucophage, Riomet, Glumetza, Glucophage XR and Fortamet.
Common side effects of metformin include:
- Gastrointestinal issues including:
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Fever and chills
- Fast or shallow breathing
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
Side Effects of Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are a common oral medication for Type 2 diabetes. Brand names include Amaryl, Glucotrol and GlipiZIDE XL.
This medication stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin and helps your body use it more effectively. Sulfonylureas may be used together with metformin.
The main side effect of sulfonylureas is low blood sugar. Health care professionals consider blood sugar reading of 70 mg/dL or lower to be too low. Hypoglycemia can cause:
- Shakiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat
Side Effects of Thiazolidinediones
Thiazolidinediones (TZD) are an oral medication that helps lower your blood sugar. Brand names of thiazolidinediones include Actos and Avandia.
Side effects of thiazolidinediones include:
- Fluid retention
- Increased risk of weight gain
Side Effects of GLP-1 Agonists
GLP-1 agonists can help people manage their blood sugar levels and may help people who are obese to lose weight. They may be taken orally or as an injection. Examples of GLP-1 agonists include:
- Semaglutide (Ozempic and Rybelsus)
- Exenatide (Byetta and Bydureon)
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
- Tirzepatide
Side effects of GLP-1 agonists include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
Side Effects of Insulin
Insulin therapy is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Common side effects of using insulin are:
- Reactions at the injection site (redness, itching)
- Weight gain
- Low blood sugar levels
Diabetes Care at University Health
University Health providers can guide you in your diabetes treatment journey. Plus, our pharmacists can help you understand your diabetes medications. Learn more about our diabetes care online.
Plus, learn how you can join a diabetes management class at University Health, taught by a certified diabetes educator.
