“An Incretin Mimetic, when injected, it improves blood sugar control by lowering both post-meal and fasting glucose levels leading to better long-term control as measured by HBA1C,” says Dr Wangnoo. Now available in India, it costs Rs 8,000 per month and is usually prescribed in extreme cases.

While insulin inhalers have been withdrawn from market, another non-invasive remedy, expected to hit the Indian shores by mid-May, is the

Incretin enhancer, to be launched under the brand name Januvia. “It will enhance the GLP1 production internally,” he adds.

• So what is the way forward?

Altering lifestyle is deemed to be the key to tackle diabetes. “Diet control is a must for all diabetics. The aim of controlling blood sugar is to maintain it close to normal through proper medical intervention, while keeping the HBA1C level at 7 per cent,” says Dr Vijay Panikar, Senior Diabetologist, Lilawati Hospital, Mumbai.