Best Medicines for Diabetes in India
Diabetes needs long-term care with diet, exercise and often medicine. Type 1 diabetes is treated mainly with insulin. In type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes can sometimes bring sugar back to normal (remission).
Last updated: October 2026
Metformin
Use: First-line medicine for type 2 diabetes. Lowers the sugar released by the liver. Type 1 diabetes is treated mainly with insulin.
Side effects: Nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain. Long-term use can lower vitamin B12. Rarely a serious build-up of acid in the blood (lactic acidosis), which needs emergency care.
Side effects: Nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain. Long-term use can lower vitamin B12. Rarely a serious build-up of acid in the blood (lactic acidosis), which needs emergency care. First-line medicine for type 2 diabetes. Lowers the sugar released by the liver. Type 1 diabetes is treated mainly with insulin.
Glimepiride
Use: Stimulates insulin secretion.
Side effects: Low sugar, weight gain
Side effects: Low sugar, weight gain. Stimulates insulin secretion.
Sitagliptin
Use: DPP-4 inhibitor. Low hypo risk.
Side effects: Headache. Low sugar is more likely when taken with other diabetes medicines. Rarely pancreatitis, so get urgent help for severe stomach or back pain that does not go away.
Side effects: Headache. Low sugar is more likely when taken with other diabetes medicines. Rarely pancreatitis, so get urgent help for severe stomach or back pain that does not go away. DPP-4 inhibitor. Low hypo risk.
Empagliflozin
Use: SGLT2 inhibitor. Heart/kidney protective.
Side effects: Urine infections, genital thrush, passing more urine, dehydration. Rarely diabetic ketoacidosis (feeling sick, fruity-smelling breath, unusual tiredness) or a serious genital infection, which need urgent medical help.
Side effects: Urine infections, genital thrush, passing more urine, dehydration. Rarely diabetic ketoacidosis (feeling sick, fruity-smelling breath, unusual tiredness) or a serious genital infection, which need urgent medical help. SGLT2 inhibitor. Heart/kidney protective.
Insulin
Use: Direct sugar control.
Side effects: Low sugar, weight gain
Side effects: Low sugar, weight gain. Direct sugar control.
When to See a Doctor
If your sugar stays high even after following your treatment, you have frequent low sugar episodes, blurred vision, or numbness or tingling. Go to hospital at once if your sugar stays at 300 mg/dL or above, or high sugar comes with vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing, fruity-smelling breath, drowsiness or confusion.
Related Lab Tests
Frequently Asked Questions
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The medicines, Indian brands and advice on this page were checked against these treatment guides and product listings.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. The medicines listed may require a prescription. Dosage, suitability, and safety depend on individual health conditions. Always consult a licensed doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.