Introduction: Coccinia indica is widely used medicinal herb in Ayurveda. The objective of this study was to explore the anti–diabetic and hypolipidemic activity of Coccinia indica in dexamethasone induced insulin resistance.

Methods: Male albino rats were divided in to 5 groups (n=6). Group 1(control) rats received 2% gum acacia orally. Group 2(Diabetic control) rats were administered 2% gum acacia orally for 12 days and dexamethasone (8 mg/kg/i.p.) from 7^th to 12^th day. Group 3(Test group) and Group 4(Standard control) animals were treated with aqueous extract of Coccinia indica leaves (2 gm/kg) and metformin (2 gm/kg) respectively. All groups except control rats were treated with dexamethasone (8mg/kg/i.p.) from 7^th to 12^th day. Fasting blood was collected and subjected to biochemical investigations.

Results: Pre–administration of aqueous extract of Coccinia indica leaves(2gm/kg) significantly (p<0.05) prevented the elevation of insulin, glucose and lipid levels in dexamethasone induced insulin resistant rats.

Conclusion: It was concluded that the aqueous extract of Coccinia indica leaves can be useful in the prevention of glucocorticoid induced diabetes.