18: Deprescribing Diabetes Medications

This episode marks the final installment of our Medication March series, where we've been empowering you to take control of your diabetes health. This journey has been about more than just understanding medications; it's about equipping you with the knowledge to make informed health decisions and to have the all important conversation about medications with your doctor and healthcare team.
Today, we delve into the effectiveness of various glucose-lowering medications, revisit the importance of knowing the risks versus benefits, and discuss overtreatment and overprescription of meds. Most importantly, we explore the concept of deprescribing, including the evidence on deprescribing in type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. It's crucial for you to understand that while diabetes medications can play a role, a healthy lifestyle, particularly nutrition, often has a more significant impact on your diabetes management.
You might be wondering if it's possible to reduce or even stop certain diabetes medications. The answer is yes. Deprescribing, especially for those with stable or low A1c levels ≤7%, can be a beneficial strategy, as the evidence clearly describes.
Although there are obstacles in the healthcare system, you are at the center of your own diabetes health. Remember, every visit to your doctor is an opportunity for you to take charge. Ask about your medications and whether any can be reduced or eliminated. If a new medication is suggested, inquire about its necessity and possible alternatives.
By being proactive and informed. Stay empowered and remember, you're not alone in this journey!
Please get involved in this conversation!
Visit Type2DiabetesTalk.com and leave your comments on any of the Medication March episodes (and it doesn't have to be during March!), or leave us a voice message or send an email with your questions and experiences.
CHAPTERS

0:00 Medication March Ground Covered

3:21 Glucose-Lowering Medications

6:35 Healthy Lifestyle & Limited Effect of Meds

9:42 Do The Risks Outweigh The Benefits?

11:49 Has Diabetes Become Overmedicalized?

13:36 Deprescribing Facts

18:32 Is It Really Possible To Stop Diabetes Medications?

21:55 Methods For Deprescribing

22:39 Have The Medication Conversation With Your Doctor

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