Let’s be honest—some diabetes medications and devices sound like they were named by a team of marketers who never had to say them out loud in a crowded exam room. From Mounjaro to Lyumjev, even the most seasoned healthcare provider has hesitated before saying a brand name aloud. If you’ve ever butchered Farxiga or fumbled through Ozempic, you’re not alone.

But in a field where clear communication is key, knowing how to confidently pronounce diabetes drugs and devices can improve patient interactions, build trust, and help avoid misunderstandings. Plus, it just saves us all from those awkward moments when a patient corrects us!

Common Diabetes Products and How to Say Them

Here’s a handy guide to some of the most commonly mispronounced diabetes meds and devices—so next time you’re in clinic, you can say them like a pro. We’ve included some easy ones too, just in case!

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

Dexcom → DEKS-kom (/ˈdɛks.kɑm/)

Freestyle Libre → FREE-style LEE-bray (/ˈfriːˌstaɪl ˈliː.brə/)

Guardian Sensor → GAR-dee-ən SEN-sor (/ˈɡɑr.di.ən ˈsɛn.sɚ/)

Eversense → EH-ver-sense (/ˈɛ.vɚ.sɛns/)

Insulin Pumps & Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Systems

Omnipod → OM-nee-pod (/ˈɑm.ni.pɑd/)

t:slim X2 → TEE-slim eks-TWO (/ˈtiː.slɪm ɛksˈtuː/)

MiniMed → MIN-ee-med (/ˈmɪn.i.mɛd/)

Insulin Brands

Humalog → HYOO-muh-log (/ˈhjuː.mə.lɔɡ/)

Novolog → NO-voh-log (/ˈnoʊ.və.lɔɡ/)

Tresiba → treh-SEE-buh (/trɛˈsiː.bə/)

Toujeo → Too-ZHAY-oh (/tuˈʒeɪ.oʊ/)

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Ozempic → oh-ZEMP-ick (/oʊˈzɛmpɪk/)

Mounjaro → moon-JAR-oh (/muːnˈdʒɑː.roʊ/)

Trulicity → true-LISS-ih-tee (/truːˈlɪ.sɪ.ti/)

Wegovy → WAY-go-vee (/ˈweɪ.ɡoʊ.vi/)

SGLT-2 Inhibitors (The Names That Make You Pause!)

Invokana → in-vo-KAH-nuh (/ˌɪn.voʊˈkɑ.nə/)

Farxiga → far-SEE-guh (/fɑrˈsiː.ɡə/)

Jardiance → JAR-dee-ance (/ˈdʒɑr.di.əns/)

Steglatro → steg-LA-troh (/stɛɡˈlæ.troʊ/)

Brenzavvy → BREN-zah-vee (/ˈbrɛnz.ə.vi/)

Inpefa → in-PEH-fuh (/ɪnˈpɛ.fə/)

Other Diabetes Medications & Emergency Treatments

Afrezza → ah-FREZ-uh (/əˈfrɛz.ə/) (Inhaled insulin)

Baqsimi → BAK-sih-mee (/ˈbæk.sɪ.mi/) (Glucagon nasal powder)

Gvoke → GEE-voke (/ˈdʒiː.voʊk/) (Pre-filled glucagon)

Zegalogue → ZEH-guh-log (/ˈzɛ.ɡə.lɔɡ/) (Glucagon auto-injector)

CeQur → SEE-kur (/ˈsiː.kɚ/) (Wearable insulin patch)

Tzield → TZEE-eld (/tsiːld/) (First-ever T1D delay therapy)

Why It Matters (Besides Saving Face in Front of Patients)

Pronouncing medications correctly isn’t just about avoiding embarrassment—it’s about ensuring clarity in patient education. Mispronunciations can lead to confusion, medication mix-ups, and even dosing errors. Plus, when patients hear their provider say a medication name correctly, it reinforces their own ability to understand and communicate about their treatment.

A Lighthearted Approach to Learning

Again—some of these names sound like they came from a sci-fi novel. (Looking at you, Lyumjev.) But taking a few minutes to practice can go a long way in making patient conversations smoother. Next time you’re in a meeting, challenge your colleagues to a pronunciation showdown. Winner gets bragging rights… or at least avoids that moment of panic when a patient asks, “Wait, how do you say it again?”

Related Links

View and compare all insulins and devices

Insulin – biosimilars and interchangeables