What is the best medicine for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Which one is most effective? Which one has the least severe side effects? Which one is best for a brittle diabetic?

Any of the proton pump inhibitors.
There are several and all work well.
Pantoprozole has no interactions with any other drugs. They are all good in this respect and the side effects are minimal with all - very effective and well tolerated group of drugs

The doc has me on Protoxin and Dicyclomine. It seems to work pretty well. No more waking up "on fire." I tried Prevacid too, but it didn't seem to do the job.

I would consider doing a hiatal hernia protocol. Have someone push into your diaphram area as you take a deep breath and let it out... the fingers should then be moved in a downward motion toward your belly button. Drink warm water following.

If you take an antacid type pill then you are just slowly killing your own bowels especially if your a diabetic. Killing your stomach acid is kind of known for not allowing you to be able to absorb your food for nutrition.

Consider switching to a gluten free diet. NO GMO or processed wheats as well.

proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole)

I am not a doctor, so either way you will want to talk to them, but this is what I have to say as a long time sufferer of Acid Reflux (G.E.R.D.)!

Three part answer information, what not to do, and what to do!

INFORMATION!!!!!!
I have a very severe case of Acid Reflux (G.E.R.D.). I have had to go to the hospital for some of the heartburn that I have had because the pain can become overwhelming or your breathing can be effected. It can be caused by Smoking, Drinking Beverages with caffeine (My case), Drinking Beverages with Alcohol, or can be Heritatary

The good thing about G.E.R.D. is that it can be a temporary thing and can be cured. It is never a permit thing even if you end up with it for the rest of your life it has the ability to be cured.

WHAT NOT TO DO!!!!!!!!
In most cases, stress is a factor to the reflux if you watch what you eat and reduce some of the stress it will help. If you watch what you eat for about a week you should find relief, if you do not then that is when you definitely what to listen to the doctor. Things to watch for are as follows:

Fatty Foods
Citrus Foods
Foods That Contain Grease
Fried Foods
Chocolate
Caffeine
Smoking
Alcohol
Tomato Based Products

WHAT TO DO!!!!
The two foods that I recommend is Black strap Molasses and Raw honey. The apple is better for night time reflux while these will work for just about all of it. What you will do is take about a tsp. of whatever one you chose. Molasses being the better because of strength and nutrition, but must be use to the taste. What the substance will do is stick to the sides of the esophagus and do two things, one is heal and the other is protect.
On the healing end, both substances have a healing property in them, and as they sit on the walls of the esophagus they will heal it. This is also helpful if you have a sore throat in the morning from refluxing.
On the protection end, both substances are high in sugar and when acid that is refluxed comes up to that the sugar will neutralize it and it will not longer be a problem at that point.

I would also look to putting Cinnamon in you diet, it has been know to help with digestion and will help you reduce the amount of acid needed to brake down food, therefore causing you to reflux less.

Prilosec