If you stop taking a diabetes medication without consulting your doctor first, your blood sugar will likely return to abnormally high levels. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can lead to serious health consequences over the long term, including:
Heart disease Stroke Kidney disease Vision problems Nerve damage Gum disease
To avoid the risks associated with uncontrolled high blood sugar, you should talk to your doctor before discontinuing any diabetes medications. To keep your blood sugar in check, it’s necessary to take your diabetes medication exactly as prescribed. If your diabetes medication isn’t working as you’d hoped or you’re experiencing unpleasant side effects, your doctor may be able to remedy these problems by altering the dose, prescribing a different drug or recommending lifestyle changes.
- For example, long-term use of the diabetes drug metformin can sometimes lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Your doctor may suggest taking B12 supplements to counteract the deficit if this occurs, along with continuing your diabetes medication.
- In rare cases, your doctor may advise you to discontinue a certain diabetes medicine.
For example, you may need to stop taking metformin if your kidneys are not functioning properly. Having poor kidney function and taking metformin may increase the risk of a life-threatening complication called lactic acidosis. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:
Extreme fatigue or weakness Stomach problems (nausea, vomiting, pain) Poor appetite Difficult or rapid breathing Changes in heartbeat
If you experience these or other severe side effects while taking diabetes medications, contact your doctor immediately.
How long can you go without taking diabetes medication?
Naturally, people whose lives depend on taking insulin get very nervous at the thought of not having access to it. That begs the question so many wonder at times. In the worst-case scenario, just how long would we be able to hang on without it? Conventional wisdom says the answer is roughly 3 to 4 days. But is that really true? DiabetesMine set out to do some fact-checking on this issue.
Can you live without taking medication for diabetes?
Some people can control and manage type 2 diabetes without medicine, but many others will need diabetes medications along with lifestyle changes. If you are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your provider may first recommend that you manage your diabetes using lifestyle changes only.
- Controlling type 2 diabetes without medication means keeping track of your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol under the supervision of your diabetes care provider.
- You will also need to follow a diabetes meal plan, get to and maintain a healthy weight, and make physical activity part of your daily routine.
Keeping your A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol in check may help you avoid the long-term complications of type 2 diabetes, which is what treatment is all about. These complications include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Nerve damage
- Loss of vision
- Kidney failure
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) outlines several ways you can manage and monitor diabetes:
What happens to your body when you stop taking metformin?
– When a person chooses to stop taking metformin, or any other antidiabetic medication, there is a risk of symptoms becoming worse. It is, therefore, essential that people manage their symptoms through sustainable lifestyle changes involving the diet, weight management, and regular exercise. If left untreated, high blood glucose levels can lead to complications, such as:
impaired vision, or diabetic retinopathy kidney problems, or diabetic nephropathynerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy heart problemssexual health issuesfoot problems
Learn more here about the symptoms and complications of diabetes.
How do you get off diabetes medicine?
– Metformin can be an important part of an effective diabetes treatment plan. But lowering your dose of metformin or stopping it altogether can be safe if your diabetes is in remission. If you want to stop taking diabetes medications, you should talk with a doctor or healthcare professional first.
Everyone who has diabetes can benefit from changing certain lifestyle habits, even those who take medications. Keeping up a moderate weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising are the best ways to help lower your blood glucose. If you can manage these through lifestyle changes, you may be able to stop taking metformin or other diabetes drugs.
Doctors typically measure remission with an A1C blood test. This test assesses your average blood glucose levels. You usually need to meet the following criteria before you can stop taking diabetes medications:
Your A1C is less than 6.5% for 6 months or more.Your fasting morning blood glucose is under 130 mg/dL.Your blood glucose level at random or after a meal is below 180 mg/dL.
You shouldn’t stop taking metformin if you don’t meet these criteria. Keep in mind that these criteria can change based on your age, overall health, and other factors. So, it’s important to talk with a doctor before changing your metformin plan.
Can a diabetic leave a normal life?
– Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to life threatening complications. The younger a person who receives a type 2 diabetes diagnosis is, the higher the risk that diabetes-linked complications will shorten their lifespan. However, by adopting effective management strategies, there is a good chance that a person living with type 2 diabetes may live as long as a person without the condition.
- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) provides information on new medications and screening techniques that continue to improve diagnostics and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
- A move toward more personalized strategies is also underway.
- These can all contribute to a better outlook for people with diabetes.
It can also be helpful to connect with others who understand what living with type 2 diabetes is like. Bezzy T2D is a free app that can help a person connect with others living with the condition. A person living with type 2 diabetes who maintains an active lifestyle, eats a healthy diet, refrains from smoking, and receives prompt treatment for complications, such as infections or cardiovascular disease has a higher likelihood of a better outlook.
Is it OK to stop metformin for a few days?
Why Shouldn’t You Stop Taking Metformin? – Metformin works by decreasing the amount of sugar your liver releases into your blood, making your body more sensitive to insulin’s effects. If you suddenly discontinue use, it can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels. As a result, you may experience:
HeadacheDifficulty concentratingIncreased thirst and/or hungerDry mouthFatigue and drowsinessBlurred visionBloatingDehydrationShortness of breathComa/death
Okemah adds that “Chronic high blood sugars can cause damage to small blood vessels (think of the tiny ones in the eyes—the same ones make up blood supply to your kidneys) and large blood vessels.” Although immediate-release metformin is more commonly prescribed, Okemah says that extended-release forms are usually easier to tolerate.
If your metformin was recalled and your doctor switches you to an immediate-release version, you may experience some side effects, like gas, bloating and diarrhea. But according to Okemah, these are “mostly a transient side effect that can be annoying but resolvable.” She encourages you to “talk to your doctor about ways to mitigate this if it happens.
Check your blood sugar!” If you’re taking a recalled type of metformin, your doctor or pharmacist will work with you to recommend a replacement or figure out another treatment option, but keep taking your medication as prescribed in the meantime. The risks of stopping the medication altogether outweigh the risks of short-term exposure to NDMA.
Will you gain weight after stopping metformin?
Long-term weight loss – One long-term study of people with diabetes assessed weight loss over 15 years. Researchers found that in people who lost more than 5% of body weight in the first year, those taking metformin had greater success with maintaining weight loss in years 6 to 15.
- However, taking the drug without following other healthy habits may not lead to weight loss.
- Individuals who follow a healthy diet and exercise while taking metformin tend to lose the most weight.
- In addition, any weight loss you have may only last as long as you take the medication.
- That means if you stop taking metformin, there’s a good chance you’ll return to your original weight.
And even while taking the drug, you may slowly gain back any weight you’ve lost.
How can I permanently reverse diabetes type 2?
Can diabetes be permanently reversed? – Reversing diabetes permanently is not possible now, and there will always be a risk of blood sugar levels rising again. But a doctor can help you manage your glucose levels, which can slow the progression of diabetes and prevent complications.
How long do most diabetics live?
Life expectancy can be increased by 3 years or in some cases as much as 10 years. At age 50, life expectancy- the number of years a person is expected to live- is 6 years shorter for people with type 2 diabetes than for people without it. People with type 2 diabetes can reduce their risk of complications and live longer by achieving their treatment goals.
What is the longest you can live with diabetes?
Diabetes Life Expectancy – The lifespan of diabetic patients can decrease by 10 to 15 years, according to a report titled ‘Diabetes in the UK 2010 – Key Statistics on Diabetes’. However, the improvements made in diabetic care since then mean that diabetic patients today can live a significantly longer life, with proper T2D management. diabetes life expectancy – Live longer with diabetes when you monitor blood sugar regularly The average life expectancy of a type 2 diabetic patient is between 77 to 81 years. However, it is not uncommon for diabetics to live past the age of 85, should they be able to maintain good blood sugar levels and lengthen their lifespan.
- Bear in mind that the age at which T2D is diagnosed and the combination of risk factors also play a major role here.
- The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Outcomes Model is a computer simulation model that forecasts the first likely occurrence of major diabetes-related complications, and death, in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (8),
According to UKPDS: If you are a 55-year-old man diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, five years post-diagnosis, your life expectancy can vary between: 13.2 years for a patient who –
Smokes Has systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 180 mmHg A total/HDL cholesterol ratio of 8 An HbA1c of 10%
AND 21.1 years for –
A non-smoker With SBP of 120 mmHg A total/HDL cholesterol ratio of 4 An HbA1c of 6%
Can I take metformin just once a day?
Dosing – The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For type 2 diabetes:
For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
Adults—
Metformin alone (Fortamet®): At first, 1000 milligrams (mg) once a day taken with the evening meal. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 2500 mg per day. Metformin alone (Glucophage® XR): At first, 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 mg per day. Metformin alone (Glumetza®): At first, 500 mg once a day taken with the evening meal. Then, your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 mg per day. Metformin with a sulfonylurea: Your doctor will determine the dose of each medicine. Metformin with insulin: At first, 500 mg once a day. Then, your doctor may increase your dose by 500 mg every week if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 2500 mg per day.
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For oral dosage form (extended-release suspension):
Adults—At first, 5 milliliters (mL) once a day taken with the evening meal. Your doctor may increase your dose by 5 mL weekly if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mL per day. Children 10 to 16 years of age—At first, 5 mL once a day taken with the evening meal. Your doctor may increase your dose by 5 mL weekly if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mL per day. Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For oral dosage form (solution):
Adults—
Metformin alone: At first, 5 milliliters (mL) two times a day, or 8.5 mL once a day with meals. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 25.5 mL per day. Metformin with a sulfonylurea: Your doctor will determine the dose of each medicine. Metformin with insulin: At first, 5 mL once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 25 mL per day.
Children 10 to 16 years of age—At first, 5 mL two times a day with meals. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mL per day. Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For oral dosage form (tablets):
Adults—
Metformin alone: At first, 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day taken with the morning and evening meals, or 850 mg a day taken with the morning meal. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. Later, your doctor may want you to take 500 or 850 mg two to three times a day with meals. However, the dose is usually not more than 2550 mg per day. Metformin with a sulfonylurea: Your doctor will determine the dose of each medicine. Metformin with insulin: At first, 500 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose by 500 mg every week if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 2500 mg per day.
Children 10 to 16 years of age—At first, 500 mg two times a day taken with the morning and evening meals. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 mg per day. Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
How long can you miss metformin?
What should you do if you miss one dose? – In general, for diabetes medications including oral hypoglycemic agents (e.g., metformin) and insulin, if you miss one dose, take the next one as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember close to the time of the next dose, then skip it and take the next dose instead.
What happens if I skip a day of metformin?
If you take an oral medication for type 2 diabetes, it’s essential to take your medication on a regular basis. In some cases, you may need to take your medication more than once a day. Medication adherence, which means taking your medications correctly as your doctor prescribes, is of utmost importance for people with diabetes.
What happens if a diabetic doesn’t take insulin for a week?
Causes of type 1 diabetes – Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, where the immune system (the body’s natural defence against infection and illness) mistakes the cells in your pancreas as harmful and attacks them. Without insulin, your body will break down its own fat and muscle, resulting in weight loss.
This can lead to a serious short-term condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This is when the bloodstream becomes acidic, you develop dangerous levels of ketones in your blood stream and become severely dehydrated, This results in the body being unable to produce insulin, which is required to move glucose out of the blood and into your cells to be used for energy.
This is called Type 1 diabetes. Read more about the causes of type 1 diabetes
Does diabetes get worse if untreated?
If diabetes isn’t treated, it can lead to a number of other health problems. High glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs. Even a mildly raised glucose level that doesn’t cause any symptoms can have long-term damaging effects.