‘What really happens when someone with diabetes ignores dietary advice but continues taking medicines and working out?’
Published on: Jan. 9, 2026, 6 a.m. | Source: The Indian Express
Ignoring dietary advice while managing diabetes with medication and exercise can lead to significant long-term health issues, as exercise alone cannot completely offset the impact of frequent high-carb, sugary, or large meals. Dr. Vijay Negalur explains that while medicines and workouts help improve insulin sensitivity and lower glucose, they cannot handle the sudden, repeated blood sugar spikes caused by poor food choices. Over time, this forces the pancreas to work harder, makes medications less effective, and leads to persistently high fasting and post-meal sugar levels, eventually requiring stronger drugs. The long-term consequences of these constant sugar swings include increased risk of nerve damage, kidney strain, fat buildup in the liver, weight gain, elevated cholesterol, brain fog, and poor wound healing, ultimately pushing the condition toward uncontrolled diabetes. Following dietary guidelines, such as reducing refined carbs and managing portion sizes, is crucial because it helps medication work better, stabilizes energy levels, enhances the benefits of exercise, and protects against these severe long-term complications.
