You may wish to stop metformin if your diabetes goes into remission or to avoid certain side effects. But speak with a doctor before stopping it or any other prescription medication.

When Is It OK to Stop Metformin?
Do you have diabetes and want to know if it's safe to reduce your dosage of metformin? This video explains when it's safe to do this.
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The most common medication for treating diabetes is metformin. It doesn’t treat the underlying cause of diabetes, but it treats the symptoms by lowering your blood sugarTrusted Source. It’s available in tablet form (Glumetza) or a clear liquid (Riomets) you take by mouth with meals.

If you’re taking metformin to treat type 2 diabetes, it may be possible to stop. You may be able to manage your condition by making certain lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a moderate weight and exercising regularly.

But you should always talk with a doctor or healthcare professional before you stop taking metformin, even if lifestyle changes are helping to manage your diabetes.

Read on to learn more about metformin and whether it’s possible to stop taking it.

Metformin is considered an effective medication for type 2 diabetes. But some situations may warrant going off of the drug.

Improvement in symptoms

You may wish to stop taking metformin if your diabetes is in remission due to lifestyle changes. For example, a 2017 reviewTrusted Source found that making changes to your diet can help you manage your symptoms and prevent complications.

In another study done in 2018Trusted Source, almost half of the participants were able to reverse their diabetes and stop taking medications after a 12-month weight loss program.

Research also suggests that exercise can benefit overall health and help regulate blood sugar.

Side effects

Metformin isn’t safe for everyone. It may not be suitable for people who have a history of:

If you’re currently taking metformin and have had some unpleasant side effects, you might be looking for alternative treatment options.

In addition, metformin can cause some side effects. These may include:

Usually, the best time to stop taking metformin is when your diabetes is in remission. Doctors typically measure remission with an A1C blood test. This test assesses your average blood glucose levels. You usually need to meet the following criteria before you can stop taking diabetes medications:

  • Your A1C remains less than 6.5% for 6 months or more.
  • Your fasting morning blood glucose is under 130 mg/dL.
  • Your blood glucose level at random or after meals is below 180 mg/dL.

You shouldn’t stop taking metformin if you don’t meet these criteria. Keep in mind that these criteria can change based on your age, overall health, and other factors. So talking with a doctor before changing your metformin plan is important.

To stop taking any diabetes medication, you’ll need to manage your diabetes in other ways.

You may be able to successfully lower and manage your blood sugar without medication by making lifestyle changesTrusted Source such as the following:

It’s also important to get support. A registered dietitian, personal trainer, or peer group can improve your chances of sticking with these healthy habits.

If you’ve managed to adjust your lifestyle and diet so that your markers indicate remission, your doctor will likely taper you off metformin gradually.

Never stop taking metformin without speaking with your doctor first, and never stop taking it suddenly, which could increase your blood sugar to dangerous levels (hyperglycemia).

Visit the American Diabetes Association for online and local support in your community.

What happens to your body when you stop taking metformin?

Metformin helps lower your blood sugar. This means that if you stop taking it when you still have active diabetes or if you stop it suddenly, you could experience hyperglycemia.

What is a natural replacement for metformin?

No natural remedies are approved for the treatment of diabetes, and you should speak with your doctor before trying any such remedy. That said, researchTrusted Source indicates that consuming berberine may lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels comparable to that of metformin.

How long does it take for metformin to get out of my system?

It takes metformin about 6 hoursTrusted Source to pass through your system.

Metformin is a common drug for the treatment of diabetes. If your diabetes goes into remission following treatment, you may be able to stop taking metformin.

Lifestyle and dietary changes can help you manage your blood sugar levels and possibly reach diabetes remission.