Type 2 Diabetes Medications to Know
Type 2 diabetes drugs are a core exam topic and split into several classes whose name endings are highly memorizable. Metformin sits at the top as the usual first-line agent, with newer classes added around it.
Study tip
Use the class suffixes: -gliptin for DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin), -gliflozin for SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin), and -glipizide/-glyburide for sulfonylureas. Metformin is the outlier worth memorizing on its own as first-line therapy.
Type 2 diabetes drug list (16)
By generic name, ordered by how commonly each is dispensed.
| # | Generic name | Commonly used for |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Metformin | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 105 | Sitagliptin | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 106 | Sitagliptin / Metformin | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 109 | Dulaglutide | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 110 | Semaglutide | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 111 | Tirzepatide | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 243 | Linagliptin | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 244 | Canagliflozin | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 245 | Empagliflozin / Linagliptin | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 246 | Empagliflozin / Metformin | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 247 | Pioglitazone | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 248 | Glimepiride | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 249 | Glipizide | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 250 | Glyburide | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 251 | Exenatide ER | Diabetes (Type 2) |
| 252 | Alogliptin | Diabetes (Type 2) |
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Frequently asked questions
- What diabetes drug is usually learned first?
- Metformin — it is the most common first-line type 2 diabetes medication and ranks at or near the top of popularity lists.
- How do I keep the diabetes drug classes straight?
- Lean on the suffixes: -gliptin (DPP-4 inhibitors), -gliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitors), and the sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide). Each ending maps to one class.
More drug categories
Educational study aid — not medical advice. Learn My Drugs is a memorization tool for pharmacy students, technicians, and exam prep. Drug names and uses on this page are simplified for studying and are not a substitute for professional judgment. For clinical, dosing, or safety information, consult the official label and a licensed professional.
Authoritative references: DailyMed, MedlinePlus, and the U.S. FDA.
Last reviewed: May 30, 2026.