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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Should Metformin And Diamicron Be Taken For Diabetes?

Hi - I am a 53 year old woman who has been in very good health all the years until about 5 years ago I was diagnosed as a diabetic I am on metformin 850mg and diamicron MR 30 My glucose level stays between 6-10. My question is: 1. Can I stop taking the medication and stay in control of my sugar levels? 2. Do I now have to be on chronic medication for the rest of my life? 3. People say once you on chronic medication you can never stop the medication, it can cause your death? I am also on Prexum plus & Simvastatin which are very well under control. Thank you.
Fri, 22 Mar 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Diabetes is a chronic disease that usually requires treatment indefinitely. However, some patients who lose a significant amount of weight can sometimes stop their medications and not have high blood sugars. Your sugars are still getting high sometimes, so I would recommend that you continue using the medications since they will protect you from complications from diabetes. If you are able to improve your blood sugars with your diet and weight loss, you may be able to stop medications at some point, but I should say that it is difficult and most patients are not able to do that.

If your blood sugars remain high, taking medications is better for you and will not cause your death.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician
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How Long Should Metformin And Diamicron Be Taken For Diabetes?

Hello, Diabetes is a chronic disease that usually requires treatment indefinitely. However, some patients who lose a significant amount of weight can sometimes stop their medications and not have high blood sugars. Your sugars are still getting high sometimes, so I would recommend that you continue using the medications since they will protect you from complications from diabetes. If you are able to improve your blood sugars with your diet and weight loss, you may be able to stop medications at some point, but I should say that it is difficult and most patients are not able to do that. If your blood sugars remain high, taking medications is better for you and will not cause your death. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician