can a diabetic survive without insulin

The ability of diabetic patients to survive without reliance on insulin hinges on the type of diabetes they have and the severity of their condition. Typically, individuals with type 1 diabetes must depend on exogenous insulin injections for survival since their bodies cannot produce insulin. In contrast, type 2 diabetic patients, despite their bodies' capacity to produce insulin, often face insulin resistance and may require insulin therapy depending on their glycemic control and the progression of complications.

For type 1 diabetic patients, abstaining from insulin can lead to a rapid spike in blood glucose levels, potentially causing severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening. On the other hand, type 2 diabetic patients who can effectively manage their blood glucose through dietary modifications, physical activity, and oral hypoglycemic agents may not need insulin therapy for a certain period. However, as the disease progresses, the pancreatic function in type 2 diabetic patients may deteriorate, necessitating the introduction of insulin therapy to assist in glycemic control.

In conclusion, the likelihood of survival without insulin is low for both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients, with type 1 patients being particularly dependent on insulin for life sustenance. Therefore, it is crucial for diabetic patients to closely monitor their blood glucose levels and to use medications, including insulin, under the guidance of a healthcare provider to maintain safe blood glucose levels. Regular health check-ups and timely adjustments to treatment plans can also help in reducing the incidence of complications and enhancing the quality of life.