The work investigates the development and optimization of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed mucilage (FSM)-alginate mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl through ionotropic gelation using 3 2 factorial design. The effect of polymer-blend ratio (sodium alginate to FSM) and cross-linker (CaCl 2 ) concentration on the drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, %), and cumulative drug release after 10h (R 10h , %) was optimized. The DEE (%) of all these beads was within the range of 71.63±2.32 to 95.08±3.73% with sustained in vitro drug release of 69.78±2.43% to 95.70±4.26% over 10h. The in vitro drug release from these beads was followed controlled-release (zero-order) pattern (R 2 =0.9910 to 0.9953) with super case-II transport mechanism. The average size of these beads was within the range of 0.92±0.05 to 1.30±0.14mm. The beads were also characterized by SEM, FTIR and 1 H NMR. The swelling and degradation of FSM-alginate beads containing metformin HCl were influenced by pH of the test medium. These beads also exhibited good mucoadhesivity in wash-off test. The optimized FSM-alginate mucoadhesive beads containing metformin HCl showed significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats over prolonged period after oral administration.