Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I have been taking
Amaryl,
Lipitor,
and monopril
for my
type 2 diabetes.
However, about three months ago, when I got a urinary infection, I stopped taking the prescribed drugs because I was on antibiotics, and I haven't been on them since. My sugar level readings have been averaging between 4 and 5. Is it possible to control diabetes with proper diet and exercise only? Is it necessary to take prescription drugs to protect against damage to vital organs?
Answer
Type 2 diabetes can be well-controlled with diet and exercise. Many people with type 2 diabetes
have been able to reduce or eliminate prescription
drugs for diabetes control when they lose weight and
exercise daily. Two of the drugs you mention are not for blood glucose control. Lipitor helps control
cholesterol and monopril acts on blood pressure control,
along with helping to preserve kidney function. These problems are common in prople with type 2 diabetes.
I am not sure what test the 4-5 range refers to, but it sounds like it might be your
HbA1c,
which would indicate good blood glucose control.
As long as diabetes remains well-controlled, the risk of long term organ damage is reduced. It is a well-known fact that
for every percentage drop in A1c, your risk of long term complications of diabetes is reduced by 35%.
slb
Two additional points:
- You should discuss your medications with your doctor, and not arbitrarily keep them stopped.
- Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disorder. So just because you are able to control it at present with diet and excercise alone, this may
not be the case in the future. Continuing to meticulously monitor your blood glucose levels will let you (and your
doctor) know when/if it's time to add the medications back even you don't need them now.
ss
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