Management

Diabetes: Ways to Take Medicine

Choose a preferred language

There are many kinds of diabetes medicines. Some are in pill form, and others must be given as a shot. Some can be taken in more than one way. Below are the main ways of taking these medicines.

Take your diabetes medicine as directed. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor. Or ask your pharmacist.

Pills

Prescription medication bottles.

Shots (using a syringe or pen-like device)

Insulin pen and syringe.

Insulin pumps (can deliver a steady amount of insulin 24 hours a day)

Insulin pump.

Inhalers (deliver a fine insulin powder that you breathe in)

Insulin inhaler.

Featured in

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Robert Hurd MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD

Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2024

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Start your journey toward better health

Select a primary care physician who will deliver personal care, close to home.

Find a Doctor

We have more than 4,500 specialty care physicians in our network

We have you covered from head (neurosurgery) to toe (podiatry.) And everything in-between!

Find a Doctor

Need Help?

Get the right care at the right time.

Learn More
Related Articles
Read article
Diabetes
Managing Stress When You Have Diabetes

Getting used to life with a chronic condition can be hard. But excess stress or sadness can actually affect your blood sugar. Learn to watch for signs of these feelings. And know that you can get help.

Read article
Diabetes
Insulin: How to Use and Where to Inject

Insulin won't work if it's swallowed, so it must be given by injection. Your health care team will show you how to give insulin injections.

Read article
Diabetes
Diabetes: Know Your Goal Numbers

Print this chart to keep track of your blood sugar, blood pressure, blood lipids, urine albumin, and weight to help control your diabetes.

Read article
Diabetes
Oral Medicines for Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes pills can help to manage your blood sugar. These pills are not insulin. They work to manage your blood sugar in several ways. Read on to learn about the different types of pills for type 2 diabetes.