A 54-year-old man with a BMI of 31 kg/m2 is found to have fasting plasma glucose levels of 9.2 mmol/L on 2 occasions and an A1C of 8.2%. He has no cardiovascular disease, normal renal function (eGFR 80 mL/min/1.73 m2), and has attempted diet and exercise changes for 3 months with minimal impact. According to Diabetes Canada guidance, what is the most appropriate next step in pharmacologic management?