“Can diabetes be managed without insulin?”

Yes! But you have to work hard on your diet and continue doing exercise

It really depends on what kind of diabetes you have. Type 1 needs to be managed with insulin. A new Type 2 diabetic may be able to get off insulin if diet and exercise are working, but you must work closely with your physician

Diabetes Type 1 requires insulin because the pancreas cannot make insulin. Diabetes Type 2 is a condition that develops over time due to a deficiency in insulin secretion and action. When diagnosed in the pre-diabetic state, individuals can treat their condition with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Once an individual with Diabetes Type 2 needs medication to control their blood sugar, they must continue their medication. However, individuals with Diabetes Type 2 on medication should make lifestyle changes including diet and exercise under the direction of their provider. Once lifestyle changes have occurred, some people with Diabetes Type 2 may be able to reduce their medications. Diabetes is a serious disease and any changes should be made under the direction of your primary care provider.

In adults, first line treatment is weight loss, diet, and exercise. If one is of normal weight, then only a doctor can determine if one is insulin-dependent or not, i.e., requires insulin or could be managed with oral medications, along with diet and exercise.

William Z. Cohen, M.D., F. A. A. F. P.

Many times, insulin is not the first medication given for diabetes. The hemoglobin a1c is a blood test to assess the best treatment. If diet and exercise are not successful, Metformin (pill) is first line treatment. Medications change according to how well diabetes is/is not, controlled

Yes diabetes can be managed without insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes cannot be managed without insulin. For them stopping insulin signs their death warrant. It has been tried many times with the same results since they have no or very little ability to produce insulin internally. For Type2 diabetes: Yes you may get bye for a long time without insulin. Initial treatment for T2D is Diet, exercise and usually metformin ( cheap pill you take once or twice a day-no big deal). If this does not maintain control the other oral or injectable meds can be added. If you follow diet, lose weight, exercise and take metformin and /or other oral meds you may not need insulin for many years. Please don't fear insulin though as the new insulins are safer than the old insulins (though not cheaper!) and are given now with disposable syringes with very tiny needles that are nearly painless. So don't fear meds or even insulin but good luck with the diet & exercise. Most important-KEEP THE BLOOD SUGARS UNDER CONTROL to prevent complications of the disease.