Stopping diabetes medication abruptly without a doctor’s supervision can immediately lead to high blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications.
Diabetes medications play a critical role in controlling blood sugar levels. They help prevent serious health problems that can come with diabetes. Some people might think about stopping their medication because of side effects or because they want to manage their diabetes with diet and lifestyle changes. However, stopping any prescribed medication without talking to a healthcare professional can lead to serious issues in controlling blood sugar. This can put your health and well-being at risk.
What is the most immediate risk of discontinuing medication?
The most immediate and critical effect of stopping diabetes drugs is a sudden rise in blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia. “If blood sugar levels shoot up, the person may experience intense thirst and feel extremely tired,” Dr Aniket Mule, consultant in internal medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals, tells Health Shots. This highlights why any change in your medication schedule requires strict medical supervision.
What steps are necessary to stop medication safely?
To safely navigate this process, it is essential to check in with your doctor regularly to monitor your overall health and blood sugar levels. Any adjustments, especially reductions in medication, should be made gradually and step-by-step under medical supervision to prevent sudden spikes in glucose levels. It is also crucial to stay educated about the signs of high or low blood sugar so you can act quickly if a problem arises.
What happens after stopping medication?
Even if diabetes goes into remission, maintaining those healthy lifestyle changes is essential to prevent the condition from returning. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and consistent medical check-ups remain crucial to determine whether medication is truly unnecessary in the long term.
Medication reductions are a reward for excellent blood sugar management, not a simple choice. Remember, diabetes treatment is meant to be a personalised process, and regular monitoring, medical check-ups, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle are the key factors that determine whether you can safely reduce your dosage.
What are the long-term problems of stopping medication?
For those with Type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar that remains uncontrolled significantly raises the risk of serious long-term complications. These issues include heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage (neuropathy). The expert notes that vision loss and chronic foot infections or ulcers are also common problems.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and who is at risk?
People with Type 1 diabetes face a particularly life-threatening danger if they stop their required insulin therapy. This can trigger Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). “In this condition, the body rapidly breaks down fat, leading to a harmful buildup of ketones”, says the doctor. DKA can cause nausea and vomiting, and in the most severe cases, it can result in a coma or even death.
Can unstable blood sugar affect your mental health?
Unstable glucose levels can also trigger mental health concerns, including anxiety or irritability. A 2022 study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that people with diabetes have an increased risk of depression, but that users of anti-diabetic drugs like Metformin and DPP-4 inhibitors had a lower risk compared to those who did not use the medications.
Stopping your blood sugar medications without talking to your doctor is not safe. The side effects can be severe. “Diabetes medications help keep your blood sugar stable and prevent the disease from getting worse”, says Dr Mule. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication plan.
