Is it possible to come off insulin?

[liz32]

I'm wondering if anyone out there has been able to come off all their medications through diet and excersize? Especially if they were on insulin. I know it's impossible for type 1's but I wonder how possible it is for T2's. I have been able to come off my metformin and now only take 22u of lantus a day. I just recieved an excersizer and can now consisitanly get a workout every day (this wasn't possible before). I'm hopeing to be able to cut my insulin in half, if not all of it. Has anyone else been able to do this? Or even come close? I'd love to hear how you've done it or if anyone has any advise I'd love to hear that too. Thanks :thumbsup:

[duck]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but in theory I thought a T2 using insulin could decrease or come off of it if somehow they could affect changes that made them able to better use their naturally produced insulin--ie, losing weight, exercising, taking meds that increase the potential of insulin-on-board...

[Peter Lee]

I'm wondering if anyone out there has been able to come off all their medications through diet and excersize? Especially if they were on insulin.
I have a type 2 friend who was on insulin and through losing about 20 pounds, stopped the insulin and started on just Metformin (a low dose I think).

My diabetes consultant told me that if I lose enough weight (about 21 pounds), he thought that I might be able to stop my medication completely and control the diabetes just with diet. That's easier said than done, because he admitted that I am not over weight, it's just that all my non-muscle weight is in the wrong place - it's all in the diabetogenic region (i.e. the abdomen) - "that's just unfortunate" he said :frown:

[jeggeman31]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but in theory I thought a T2 using insulin could decrease or come off of it if somehow they could affect changes that made them able to better use their naturally produced insulin--ie, losing weight, exercising, taking meds that increase the potential of insulin-on-board...

Most of the time. However there are some T2 (like Myself) that produce less and less natural insulin each and every time I get blood work. I have been told that it will one day shut down producing all natural insuiln. So I am a T2 that won't be coming off insuiln.

[liz32]

Jim, how long have you been on the pump? It's only been a little while hasn't it? Do you mind if I ask why you went that route? Is it because of your diminishing insulin supply? and how did you find out that it was decreasing? I have no idea how much I produce so I don't know what my chances are of coming off the insulin. I've already lost about 30+ pounds but would definately like to loose more; would that be enough to do the trick. Some of the T2's have mentioned going to an endo but I've never met with one yet since being pregnant. Is it really that important or only if you're having troubles? Sorry for all the questions. I usually have lots. Any thaughts would be appreciated.

[jeggeman31]

how long have you been on the pump? It's only been a little while hasn't it?
I have not started on the pump. My start up date is Sept 7th. Just sitting around waiting for that day to come :bebored:

Do you mind if I ask why you went that route? Is it because of your diminishing insulin supply?

That is one reason. The other reason is better control. Only within the last 3 months has my A1C dropped to 5.7 This is the lowest I have ever been. I work odd hours, long hours and some days sleep/work. I have spoken with others in the same field as I am in, who also are diabetic and have gone to the pump. Everyone I have spoken to has told me how much better they feel and how much better control they have on the pump.

how did you find out that it was decreasing?

It is part of the blood work my DR does every 3 months.

I've already lost about 30+ pounds but would definately like to loose more; would that be enough to do the trick.

It could be, however that is something you need to speak with your DR about. Ask them about the blood work that can show how much insulin you are kicking out yourself


Some of the T2's have mentioned going to an endo but I've never met with one yet since being pregnant. Is it really that important or only if you're having troubles?

I never went to an ENDO until the talk of the pump came up, however I have not had better control with my sugar until after I started going to the Endo.


Sorry for all the questions

Not a problem what so ever.
:wavey:

[Richard B]

I've reduced my oral med's by 50% dosage. From 250/500 combo Glyburide/Metformin plus 10 units of Lantus each night to 125/250 Glyburide/Metformin plus 10 units of Lantus. I'm on a low carb diet and exercise regimen (treadmill 2x per day). As time goes on, the doc might take me off the oral med's for 1 meal (lunch).

I started as T2 and didn't exercise correctly (if at all). Whether I can eliminate meds all together is something that close monitoring can tell.

[liz32]

Jim, I wonder what an endo could do for me other than determine my level of insulin output. The reason I say that is that when I was first diagnosed my A1c was 16.7 and my last one (6 months later) was 5.9 and so they are ready to discarge me from the clinic because apparently I've got good control. I just don't feel like I know enough and want to be able to make the best decisions as hopefully I have at least another 30-40 years of living with this disease. If an endo can help then maybe I'll ask but I doubt they'll think I need it.
:captain:
Richard: keep up the hard work who knows maybe you will be able to come off all your meds.

[duck]

Jim, I wonder what an endo could do for me other than determine my level of insulin output. The reason I say that is that when I was first diagnosed my A1c was 16.7 and my last one (6 months later) was 5.9 and so they are ready to discarge me from the clinic because apparently I've got good control. I just don't feel like I know enough and want to be able to make the best decisions as hopefully I have at least another 30-40 years of living with this disease. If an endo can help then maybe I'll ask but I doubt they'll think I need it.
:captain:
Richard: keep up the hard work who knows maybe you will be able to come off all your meds.

Liz, there is too much to know about this disease...and yes, an Endo is recommended if you are a diabetic, you need a specialist who knows the ins and outs of this disease. Even under "good control", there is always something to watch out for, and if you developed some kind of a complication, it would be advisable to have an Endo who has been following you and can apply his knowledge about you to any new challenges that may arise.

In my opinion, anyway. :king:

[am1977]

if you want my take on this...I don't think anything is impossible :smartass: . Well...I think the probability of a Type 1 getting off insulin is slim to none :thumpdown , but I think that with a healthy diet, exercise, and overall healthy lifestyle, it's not out of reach for Type 2s. I wish I was given the option of managing this disease w/ diet and exercise (not that that makes things simple), but I think being on insulin makes thing a little more complicated :dong: .

[arlenecarol]

so what is the test that will determine how much 'natural' insulin your body is putting out?

the HbA1c just shows a 'history' of what your blood cells have been doing over the past 3-4 months, right?

i've been wondering if we have all the cards on the table in this part of the world or are we grossly behind the times? it seems that the meds i'm taking plus my diet and change in life style have helped me get a good degree of control over this diabetes.. i'm resisting my doctor's belief that i probably will go on insulin...to me, that's a LAST resort. so far, so good. yesterday i was below 120 most of the day...i was pleased.

off to the beach today for more of the BEST kind of exercise! wonder what winter will bring though?? oh well...that's not for now to worry about...

good luck you all.
stay on top of your health issues...YOU are the best chance you have for improving things...

arlene

[JasonSmithMT]

so what is the test that will determine how much 'natural' insulin your body is putting out?

Arlene - You can measure insulin levels directly but that test can not distinguish between insulin you make and the insulin that is injected. As a result insulin levels aren't usually measured on those who inject insulin. For those that inject insulin there is an analyte called C-peptide that can be measured. C-peptide, for the most part, is produced in a 1 to 1 ratio with insulin so its level can be used to determine how much insulin is naturally being produced.

Jason

[jeggeman31]

Liz, there is too much to know about this disease...and yes, an Endo is recommended if you are a diabetic, you need a specialist who knows the ins and outs of this disease. Even under "good control", there is always something to watch out for, and if you developed some kind of a complication, it would be advisable to have an Endo who has been following you and can apply his knowledge about you to any new challenges that may arise.

In my opinion, anyway. :king:

Liz I agree with Duck on this one. Go to an ENDO

[arlenecarol]

Arlene - You can measure insulin levels directly but that test can not distinguish between insulin you make and the insulin that is injected. As a result insulin levels aren't usually measured on those who inject insulin. For those that inject insulin there is an analyte called C-peptide that can be measured. C-peptide, for the most part, is produced in a 1 to 1 ratio with insulin so its level can be used to determine how much insulin is naturally being produced.

Jason

Okay Jason...but I'm not injecting insulin (and hope NOT to in the near future)
how will my doctor make that determination .. to inject or not to inject and why do i get the feeling that from the beginning he's felt that this is the way i'm headed? did he think i wasn't able to get my B/g levels down to normal?
it seems that with medication, i'm able to stablize..at least that's how it looks now...i still have 2 months before i see him again but if he keeps talkin' insulin, i need to know how to counter this assertion. i don't want to start insulin before i MUST...maybe i can avoid the 'must'...i'm hopin'...

thanks,
arlene

[Eri's mom]

My dad is a T2, and at one point, when he was doing well w/ diet and exercise, he was able to come off the insulin and was only on glucophage.
Now that he's gained weight back and eats like, ummm, not so good, he's back on shots, 35u of lantus each night and still takes the glucophage.(believe me, I am totally on his case for the way he eats...BUT, I get the, "Who's the parent here???" garbage)

[HypnoToad]

im just on a low dose of metformin 500mgs twice a day, as long as i keep taking the weight off i should eventually have no problem just controlling everything with diet and exorcise, now if that isnt a reason to lose weight i dont know what is

[ginag]

When I found out I had T2 this past May, I was placed on metformin. Metformin was intolerable for me - so I immediately went low carb and discontinued meds. My daily blood readings dropped gradually over a 2 or 3 week period. After almost 4 months since diagnosis, my a1c was 6.2. No meds - just watching my intake of carbs. My daily readings are all within the range they should be. My morning (fasting) reading tends to be in the 120 to 140 range, and it looks like it probably is liver-dumping. I intened to discuss this with my doctor next visit. But to answer you question, so far I have had success with a low carb regimen. Good Luck. Gina