Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes: Diabetes affects a large population worldwide. India also has a significant number of patients. Let us explain whether it is possible to stop taking medication.

Do I have to take diabetes medicine for life?

What Happens If You Stop Diabetes Medication: Managing diabetes isn't easy. Checking blood sugar daily, controlling your diet, staying active, and taking your medication on time all require constant discipline. In such situations, people often decide to suddenly stop taking medication. Reasons can vary, including that their sugar levels appear normal, fatigue from taking pills daily, fear of medication side effects, or someone telling them that herbal treatments are better.

But the truth is, it's not safe to suddenly stop diabetes medication. Diabetes is a long-term disease that requires constant control. If your blood sugar levels appear normal, it often means the medication is working, not that the disease has disappeared. 

What is the problem if the medicine is stopped suddenly?

According to the pharma website healingpharma, which provides information on health matters, suddenly stopping a medication can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar within a few hours or days. This is called hyperglycemia. Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, dizziness, slow wound healing, and tingling in the hands and feet. If ignored, this can lead to a serious and even life-threatening condition.

How dangerous is it to stop taking medicine for diabetes?

Abruptly stopping insulin in type 1 diabetes is even more dangerous. This can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, in which the body starts burning fat instead of glucose, leading to an increase in acids called ketones in the blood. Signs include rapid breathing, vomiting, abdominal pain, a sweet-smelling breath, confusion, or extreme fatigue. If not treated promptly, it can lead to coma or even death.

Long-term uncontrolled sugar can lead to kidney failure, nerve damage, vision loss, heart attack, and stroke. Even "occasionally" skipping medication is harmful, as it causes dangerous sugar fluctuations and makes it difficult for the doctor to determine the right treatment. Irregular use can also reduce the effectiveness of the medication, requiring higher doses in the future.

So, can the medication never be reduced or stopped? 

Healingpharma reports that in some cases, especially in the early stages of type 2 diabetes, weight loss, a balanced diet, and regular exercise can reduce the need for medication. However, this is only possible under the supervision of a doctor and with regular monitoring. Doctors consider this if your HbA1c remains under control for a long time. Therefore, if you are considering a medication change, talk to your doctor first, keep regular blood sugar records, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and take your medication regularly. Always remember that diabetes can be managed, but self-medication can be dangerous.