Diabetes treatment is evolving rapidly, with pharmaceutical companies racing to develop more effective therapies. The combined cost of diagnosed diabetes and prediabetes in the United States amounts to $412.9 billion. As the number of diabetes cases continues to rise, the demand for innovative treatments that improve patient outcomes while minimizing side effects is stronger than ever.
In 2025, several new diabetes drugs are set to enter the market, providing more effective blood sugar control, fewer complications, and improved adherence.
This article explores the top 5 diabetes drugs to watch in 2025, including breakthrough GLP-1 receptor agonists, once-weekly insulin, and SGLT2 inhibitors.
Table of Contents
➜ Non-Injectable Diabetes Treatments
➜ GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: The Future of Diabetes & Weight Management
➜ SGLT2 Inhibitors: The Heart-Healthy Diabetes Treatment
➜ Combining GLP-1 & GIP for Better Results
Key Takeaways
- GLP-1 receptor agonists continue to be the most promising treatment option for Type 2 diabetes.
- Once-weekly insulin could replace daily injections, making life easier for millions of patients.
- SGLT2 inhibitors are proving to be a valuable addition to diabetes management, especially for heart and kidney protection.
- Combination therapies like GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists are showing superior results compared to standalone drugs.
- Non-injectable diabetes treatments, such as oral GLP-1 agonists and inhalable insulin, are gaining momentum as patient-friendly alternatives.
Non-Injectable Diabetes Treatments
Are there any non-injectable diabetes treatments available?
For many diabetes patients, injections remain a major barrier to effective treatment. Fortunately, new developments in oral GLP-1 agonists, inhalable insulin, and flash glucose monitoring could change the way diabetes is managed.
Diabetes Injectable Alternatives:
- Oral GLP-1 Agonists (e.g., Rybelsus) offer the same benefits as injectables in pill form.
- Inhalable Insulin (Afrezza) provides a rapid-acting alternative to injections.
- Flash glucose monitoring offers a non-invasive alternative to injectable insulin by tracking glucose levels through a skin-worn sensor.
These innovations aim to improve patient adherence by making diabetes treatment less invasive and more convenient.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: The Future of Diabetes & Weight Management
What are GLP-1 receptor agonists? GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that help manage blood sugar levels and promote weight loss by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1, which stimulates insulin production, slows digestion, and helps regulate appetite, making them an attractive option for people struggling with both diabetes and obesity.
New Drug to Watch – Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
- Already FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes
- Expected to gain additional approval for weight management in 2025
- Demonstrated superior efficacy compared to existing drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide)
What is Tirzepatide used for?
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) has been shown to significantly lower A1C levels while promoting weight loss, offering a dual benefit for diabetes management. Its combination of GLP-1 and GIP receptor activation makes it a more comprehensive solution compared to single-pathway drugs.
SGLT2 Inhibitors: The Heart-Healthy Diabetes Treatment
What are SGLT2 inhibitors?
These are medications that work by preventing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion through urine and helping maintain stable blood sugar levels. SGLT2 inhibitors have transformed diabetes management by providing blood sugar control along with heart and kidney protection.
Recent FDA approvals, such as Ozempic’s expanded indication for lowering kidney disease risk, further highlight the growing focus on kidney health in diabetes care.
Why use SGLT2 Inhibitors?
The ability to reduce heart failure risk while improving glycemic control makes these drugs a significant advancement in diabetes care.
For patients with Type 2 diabetes who also suffer from cardiovascular conditions, SGLT2 inhibitors are becoming an essential part of treatment plans.
New Drug to Watch – Ertugliflozin (Steglatro)
- Competes with Farxiga and Jardiance
- Demonstrates strong protective effects for kidney and heart health
- Frequently prescribed in combination with metformin or GLP-1 agonists
Once-Weekly Insulin
Do diabetes patients need to take insulin daily? New developments in insulin therapy could soon change that.
What is Insulin icodec?
Insulin icodec, also known as Icodec, is a once-weekly basal insulin designed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It works by providing a steady release of insulin throughout the week, reducing the number of injections needed compared to daily insulin.
This makes it easier for patients to maintain consistent blood sugar control and improve adherence to their treatment plan.
Who can benefit from using insulin icodec?
This innovation could particularly benefit older adults and patients with mobility challenges who struggle with frequent injections.
Why is Insulin icodec important?
- Reduces the inconvenience of daily insulin injections
- Enhances patient adherence and treatment consistency
- Expected to launch in 2025, backed by Novo Nordisk
Combining GLP-1 & GIP for Better Results
The last but not least Combination therapies are gaining traction in the diabetes market, offering improved efficacy compared to single-mechanism drugs. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), which functions as both a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, has demonstrated superior results in managing blood sugar and weight loss.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone produced in the intestines that helps regulate blood sugar levels and control appetite.
It stimulates insulin release, blocks glucagon secretion, and slows down the emptying of the stomach. GLP-1-based medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, as they help manage blood sugar and promote weight loss.
What are GIP receptor agonists?
GIP receptor agonists are medications that help manage blood sugar levels by mimicking a hormone called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).
They work by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas after meals, which helps lower blood sugar levels. These medications are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and can also have positive effects on weight management and overall metabolic health
Key Benefits of Using Combination Therapies
- Greater glycemic control with fewer side effects
- Works better than Ozempic in clinical trials
- Expected to dominate the diabetes market by 2027
By targeting multiple metabolic pathways, dual-action drugs are expected to improve patient outcomes while reducing long-term complications.
Final Thoughts: Are These Top 5 Diabetes Drugs in 2025 the Future of Treatment?
From our list of the top 5 diabetes drugs in 2025, it’s evident that the introduction of more effective GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and once-weekly insulin is on track to significantly advance diabetes care.
These new diabetes drugs in 2025 aim to reduce complications, improve adherence, and provide more personalized treatment options for patients worldwide.
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