Some people with type 2 diabetes need medicine to help their bodies make more insulin, to decrease insulin resistance, or to slow down how quickly their body absorbs carbohydrate.

You may take no medicine, one medicine, or a few medicines. Some people need medicine for short periods of time, while others always need to take medicine. How much medicine you need depends on how well you can keep your blood sugar within a safe range.

Some people who have type 2 diabetes take medicines for high blood pressure or high cholesterol. They may also take aspirin to prevent a heart attack, a stroke, or other large blood vessel diseases (macrovascular disease).