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If you or someone close to you is taking medications for type 2 diabetes, is there a chance the medication can be stopped at some point?
The answer depends upon individual health and blood glucose levels, and upon the ability to make lifestyle changes. Diabetes management is based on maintaining blood glucose levels within normal ranges – generally defined as an A1C of 7% or less. This usually requires the use of medications.
However, if an individual demonstrates that they can maintain healthy blood glucose levels purely through weight maintenance and a healthy lifestyle program, the dose of the diabetes medication may be tapered or discontinued under a health professional’s guidance.
It is important to recognize that this does not mean that the diabetes has been ‘cured’. Type 2 diabetes can change and a healthy lifestyle may not always be sufficient to maintain efficient diabetes management.
Instead of a ‘cure’, think of it rather as diabetes in remission. This means that regular testing should be taken to ensure that blood glucose levels remain within normal targets. Continue with regular visits to your health care professional to keep a careful eye on the situation.
Individuals at risk for diabetes complications
If blood glucose levels remain within normal levels through healthy eating and regular physical activity, the simple fact is that for people with no diabetes complications, continued medications are not always required.
However, for people at risk for diabetes complications or already suffering with related issues, the situation is not quite as simple. In these circumstances, the healthcare professional will need to continue metformin and/or other drugs in order to help reduce risks.
Always follow your doctor’s advice and never stop taking prescribed medications without their agreement and guidance.
Tips for a healthy lifestyle
Healthy lifestyle habits that can achieve and maintain ideal blood glucose levels include following a diabetes diet and sticking to a program of regular physical activity. If your goal is to eventually achieve diabetes management without the aid of medications, remember that weight maintenance is extremely important.
The dietitian on your healthcare team can recommend a diabetes diet plan to meet your needs. You will find good information about both healthy eating and physical activity in our Diet and Fitness section on this website. You may also find it helpful to read our expert’s blog entitled Finding the right diet for managing diabetes, and a related article Making sense of well known diets.
For additional information on establishing a program of regular physical activity, which is so essential to diabetes management, we recommend our article Physical activity and diabetes: Q & A.
Weight loss surgery to put diabetes in ‘remission’
For some people who are unable to achieve much needed weight loss through lifestyle changes, one of three different weight loss surgeries may be recommended.
Weight loss surgeries include:
- laparoscopic adjustable bands
- laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric by-pass
- a diversion technique involving the small intestines.
In March 2012, new research reported that in a large study of people with type 2 diabetes, 75% went into remission after by-pass surgery. Among those receiving the surgery that diverts and removes part of the stomach, 95% went into remission.
For these people, diabetes medication will not be required for at least the short-term. Further studies will be required to assess their progress over time.
If you are keen to work towards a gradual weaning off medications, talk to your healthcare professional about the possibilities. With their help and a strict healthy lifestyle plan, remission may be in the future for you or the person you care about.
Do you have a story to tell about weaning off diabetes medications? Please share your experiences with the community in our Community Forums.
