My sugars are normal now, can I stop diabetes medicines safely?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor, I was diagnosed with diabetes recently and started on medicines. After that, I became serious about my health. I lost weight, almost 8 to 10 percent, changed my diet, and started walking regularly.
Now when I check my sugars, they are coming normal. Even my HbA1c has improved. My wife and friends are telling me that since my sugars are normal, I should stop the diabetes tablets. They say the diabetes has reversed. I am confused.
Can I stop the medicines on my own? If sugars are normal now, does it mean diabetes is gone forever, or can it come back again?
Doctor Answers
This is a very common and very important question.
When sugars become normal after weight loss and lifestyle changes, we usually call it diabetes remission, not permanent reversal.
Let me explain this simply.
Your weight loss and lifestyle changes have reduced insulin resistance. Because of that, your sugars are controlled, sometimes even without high doses of medicines. This is a success, but it does not mean diabetes has disappeared from the body.
In medicine, we do not use the word “cure” for type 2 diabetes.
Here is what you should clearly understand:
- Remission means sugars are normal for now
- Reversal sounds permanent, but medicine cannot guarantee that
- Diabetes can come back if weight increases or lifestyle slips
That is why you should never stop diabetes medicines on your own.
Only your doctor can decide:
- Whether the dose can be reduced
- Whether a medicine can be stopped
- Whether you can be observed without medicines
Even when medicines are stopped by a doctor, monitoring must continue.
What you should do practically:
- Continue the same lifestyle that helped you lose weight
- Check HbA1c every 3 to 6 months
- If HbA1c moves back into prediabetes or diabetes range, medicines may be needed again
Think of diabetes like driving on a highway. Even if the road is clear now, you still need to keep your hands on the steering wheel. You cannot relax completely.
So yes, your effort has worked. But no, you should not stop medicines unless your doctor advises it. Remission needs maintenance, not overconfidence.
References:
- https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/44/10/2438/138556/Consensus-Report-Definition-and-Interpretation-of
- https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/Supplement_1/S27/163926/2-Diagnosis-and-Classification-of-Diabetes
- https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)33102-1/abstract
Disclaimer: The information provided in this Q&A is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance and treatment recommendations.