Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Director of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi (India) - said that many diabetics feel better after a period of treatment and no longer need medication.
However, the silent nature of diabetes is very unpredictable and people with the disease often do not feel anything until the condition becomes severe.
Dr. Gupta explains that many cases of diabetes have no obvious symptoms, making patients feel fine. However, if you only rely on your feelings to assess your diabetes level, that is the wrong approach.
People with diabetes need to ensure that they take their medication regularly. If they interrupt or stop abruptly, they may be at increased risk of infection and the possibility of acute complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
“This is a life-threatening condition characterized by a buildup of acid in the blood, which can lead to coma if not treated promptly,” Gupta noted, adding that stopping the medication abruptly can also lead to blood sugar fluctuations and increase the risk of long-term complications such as blindness, kidney failure, etc.
Additionally, there is the potential for muscle and weight loss, dehydration, fatigue, and medication ineffectiveness due to interrupted care.
Sharing the same view, Dr. Manoj Chawla, a diabetologist at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Khar (India) - shared that suddenly stopping diabetes medication also significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Therefore, it is essential to control diabetes with a consistent treatment plan to prevent these potentially dangerous outcomes.
You should always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen, to ensure safe and effective diabetes control.
In particular, you must always monitor your blood sugar levels and follow your diabetes specialist's advice on adjusting medications and promptly screening for complications.
