Diabetes is one of the very common lifestyle related health problems in India. It is affecting millions of people of different age groups. Now this health problem is seen in teenagers too. All thanks to the changing food habits, sedentary lifestyle, and stress. Today, most of the diabetic people depend on daily medicines to keep their blood sugar levels under control. In this guide, I will explain to you what the diabetes medicines in India are, their uses, types, and prices, so you can understand your treatment better and make informed decisions. Let’s get started!

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a very common lifestyle related health condition in which the human body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps to move the sugar (glucose) from the blood into the body’s cells for energy.

When insulin does not work properly, blood sugar levels rise. If diabetes is left untreated or if it worsens, then it can lead to long-term complications that affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

What are the Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Usually, Type 1 diabetes starts at a young age. The body stops producing insulin completely. People who suffer from type 1 diabetes are required to take insulin injections daily to survive.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults. In this type, the body still produces insulin, but it does not work efficiently. Type 2 diabetes is managed with oral medicines, lifestyle changes, and sometimes insulin.

Why Diabetes Medicines Are Important

Diabetes medicines are important because they help to:

• Control blood sugar levels

• Reduce symptoms like excessive thirst and frequent urination

• Prevent serious complications like kidney failure, nerve damage, or heart disease

• Improve overall quality of life
  

Medicines for diabetes work best when they are combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine monitoring.

List of Generic Medicines for Diabetes

Generic diabetes medicines are a cheaper and more reliable option for controlling blood sugar levels. Medicines like Meformin, Glimepiride, and Gliclazide are commonly prescribed in India. These medicines are available at online medical store. They are good in quality and come at a lower price than branded drugs.

These medicines work by improving insulin action, increasing insulin release, or reducing glucose absorption in the body.

Generic medicines meet the same level of safety and quality standards as the branded ones. Always take diabetes medicines only on medical advice.

Best Medicines for Diabetes in India

Metformin (Biguanide)

Metformin is the most commonly prescribed first-line medicine for type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. It does not usually cause sudden drops in blood sugar and may also support mild weight control. Metformin is widely used for long-term diabetes management and is available in both regular and extended-release forms.

Glimepiride (Sulfonylurea)

Glimepiride helps the pancreas release more insulin to control blood sugar levels. It is usually prescribed when diet, exercise, and Metformin alone are not enough to manage type 2 diabetes. It is effective in reducing fasting and post-meal glucose levels. However, it should be taken carefully to avoid low blood sugar episodes.

Gliclazide (Sulfonylurea)

Gliclazide increases insulin secretion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, especially after meals. It is often preferred for patients who experience post-meal sugar spikes. Compared to some other sulfonylureas, it may have a relatively lower risk of causing hypoglycaemia when taken as advised by a doctor.

Glimepiride + Metformin (Combination Therapy)

This combination medicine works in two ways, Glimepiride increases insulin release, while Metformin improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production. It provides better overall sugar control compared to using a single medicine alone. It is commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes patients who need stronger glucose management.

Gliclazide + Metformin (Combination Therapy)

This combination helps control both fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels. Gliclazide stimulates insulin secretion, and Metformin improves how the body uses insulin. It is often recommended when single-drug therapy does not provide adequate control.

Human Insulin (Short-Acting)

Short-acting human insulin helps quickly lower high blood sugar levels by moving glucose from the blood into the body’s cells. It is essential for people with type 1 diabetes and is also used in advanced type 2 diabetes when oral medicines are not sufficient.

Premixed Human Insulin (Intermediate + Short Acting)

Premixed insulin contains both short-acting and intermediate acting insulin. It provides immediate sugar control along with longer-lasting effects. It is often prescribed for patients who require consistent insulin coverage throughout the day.

Popular Diabetes Medicines Available at Direct Dawai

Medicine Name	Price (MRP)	Salt Composition	Type
GLUFORMIN XL 1000	₹67.74	Metformin 1000 mg	Biguanide (Oral Tablet)
GLIMER M2	₹253.01	Glimepiride 2 mg + Metformin 1000 mg	Sulfonylurea + Metformin
GLUFORMIN-G 2	₹278.31	Glimepiride 2 mg + Metformin 500 mg	Combination Tablet
GLYMAT	₹92.38	Gliclazide 80 mg + Metformin 500 mg	Sulfonylurea + Metformin
HUMAN ACTRAPID 40IU	₹178.29	Human Insulin 40 IU	Insulin Injection
HUMAN MIXTARD 50	₹292.30	Insulin Isophane 50% + Human Insulin 50%	Insulin Injection
PROTINEX DIABETES CARE	₹410	Nutritional Supplement for Diabetics	Diabetes Nutrition
OneTouch Verio Flex Glucometer	₹1156	Blood Glucose Monitoring Device	Device

Best Diabetes Medicines in India

GLUFORMIN XL 1000 Tablet

Salt Composition: Metformin 1000 mg
Price: ₹67.74

What it does:

Metformin reduces glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. The XL (extended-release) form provides steady sugar control throughout the day.

Best for:

Newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients and long-term blood sugar control.

GLIMER M2 Tablet

Salt Composition: Glimepiride 2 mg + Metformin 1000 mg

Price: ₹253.01

What it does:

Glimepiride increases insulin release from the pancreas, while Metformin improves insulin sensitivity and lowers glucose production.

Best for:

Patients whose blood sugar is not controlled with Metformin alone.

GLUFORMIN-G 2 Tablet

Salt Composition: Glimepiride 2 mg + Metformin 500 mg

Price: ₹278.31

What it does:

This combination helps control fasting as well as post-meal blood sugar levels.

Best for:

Type 2 diabetes patients requiring combination therapy.

GLYMAT Tablet

Salt Composition: Gliclazide 80 mg + Metformin 500 mg

Price: ₹92.38

What it does:

Gliclazide controls post-meal sugar spikes, while Metformin improves insulin response.

Best for:

Patients experiencing high post-meal glucose levels.

HUMAN ACTRAPID 40IU Injection

Salt Composition: Human Insulin 40 IU

Price: ₹178.29

What it does:

Provides short-acting insulin to control blood sugar levels quickly.

Best for:

Type 1 diabetes and advanced type 2 diabetes patients.

HUMAN MIXTARD 50 Injection

Salt Composition: 50% Insulin Isophane + 50% Human Insulin

Price: ₹292.30

What it does:

This is a mixed insulin that provides both immediate and intermediate glucose control.

Best for:

Patients needing both short-term and long-term insulin support.

How to Choose the Right Diabetes Medicine

The selection of the right diabetes medicine depends on various factors. They include:

• Type of Diabetes: People who are suffering from Type 1 require insulin. On the other hand, people who are suffering from Type 2 diabetes need oral medicines.

• Your Lifestyle: People who have sedentary lifestyles might need different medicines than those who do regular physical activities.

• Doctor’s Advice: Always consult with your doctor before taking any new medicine. They will recommend the best option that is based on your health and lifestyle.

Safety Tips While Taking Diabetes Medicines

• Take medicines at the same time daily.

• Do not skip meals if using insulin or sulfonylureas.

• Monitor blood sugar regularly.

• Avoid self-adjusting doses.

• Inform your doctor about dizziness, sweating, or weakness.

• Store insulin properly in a refrigerator.

Conclusion

To manage diabetes in a proper way, you need the right combination of medicines, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. With so many diabetes medicines available in India, this guide must have helped you choose the best medicines for diabetes.

At Direct Dawai, we aim to make diabetes care more accessible by offering trusted medicines, transparent pricing, and reliable guidance. Always consult your doctor before taking any diabetes tablet. Also, stay consistent with your treatment for good long-term health.

Note: 

All the information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor and do not take medicines on your own, because only a doctor knows how severe your health condition is.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q1. Which medicine is best for diabetes?

Ans. There is no single best medicine for diabetes because treatment depends on the type of diabetes, blood sugar levels, and overall health. For type 2 diabetes, Metformin is the most preferred choice. Other medicines like Glimepiride or Gliclazide are added if needed, as advised by a doctor.

Q2. What is the best tablet to take for diabetes?

Ans. For most people with type 2 diabetes, Metformin tablets are considered the best starting option due to their safety and effectiveness. If blood sugar remains high, combination tablets containing Metformin with Glimepiride or Gliclazide may be prescribed based on individual needs.

Q3. What are the 5 anti-diabetic drugs?

Ans. Common anti-diabetic drugs used in India include Metformin, Glimepiride, Gliclazide, Human Insulin, and Metformin combination medicines. These medicines work in different ways, such as improving insulin sensitivity, increasing insulin release, or replacing insulin to help control blood glucose levels effectively.

Q4. What is the most common medication for diabetes?

Ans. Metformin is the most commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes worldwide. It helps to decrease the blood sugar by lowering the production of glucose in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. Due to its proven safety, affordability, and effectiveness, it is often the first medicine doctors recommend.

Q5. What is the safest medicine for diabetes?

Ans. Metformin is considered one of the safest medicines for managing type 2 diabetes when taken as prescribed. It has a low risk of causing low blood sugar and supports long-term glucose control. However, safety depends on kidney function and overall health, so medical guidance is essential.

Q6. What drug is replacing metformin?

Ans. Metformin is not being replaced but is often combined with medicines like Glimepiride or Gliclazide for better control. Combination therapy is commonly used for patients needing improved sugar control when Metformin alone is not sufficient.