Question: I take metformin for diabetes, but am wondering if I have to take it for life. Is there anything I can do to get off my medication, by exercising, eating right, and maybe losing weight?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:

Metformin is a great agent for controlling Type 2 diabetes in most people. It does not cause hypoglycemia or other side effects, as long as you continue to take it. But it is useless for Type 1 diabetics who have insulin deficiency requiring shots of the hormone.

Never stop taking your medications without consulting your doctor. Untreated diabetes places you at risk for premature heart attack, stroke, coma , delerium, acidosis, confusion, blindness, kidney failure, and premature death.

But you should keep up the exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and ask your doctor about other lifestyle changes you can make to manage your diabetes better.