Patients often come across confusing advice and myths regarding medicines and lifestyle habits. These misunderstandings can affect treatment results and long-term health. Here are some common myths and the truth behind them.
1. Skipping medicines before testing
Many patients skip tablets or insulin before blood tests “to check if medicines are working.”
- Reality: This is harmful. For example, stopping Thyronorm before thyroid profile or diabetes medicines before sugar testing can lead to wrong results.
- Doctors adjust (up-titrate or down-titrate) doses based on your reports while on regular treatment. Skipping medicines will mislead your doctor and harm your health.
2. Using medicines for a short course only
Some medicines (like antibiotics) should be taken exactly as prescribed. Stopping early can cause partial treatment and lead to antibiotic resistance.
Other medicines — such as thyroxine, diabetes drugs, and blood pressure tablets — are often needed lifelong. Always discuss with your doctor before stopping or changing any medication.
3. Importance of simple exercise
Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension respond very well to regular physical activity.
- Even 30 minutes of brisk walking, cycling, or yoga most days of the week improves blood sugar, blood pressure, and heart health.
- Exercise reduces the need for higher doses of medicines and helps with weight control.
It is as important as diet and medicines in long-term health.
4. Fear of “getting addicted” to medicines
Patients often worry that they will get “addicted” to tablets.
- In reality, most medicines stay in the body only for 24 hours or less. That is why they need to be taken daily.
- Once your condition improves (e.g., after weight loss and regular exercise), many medicines can be reduced or even stopped safely under medical supervision.
Medicines are tools — not addictions.
5. Phobia about insulin
Insulin is often feared as a “last stage” treatment.
- The truth: Insulin is simply a replacement therapy, just like thyroxine for hypothyroidism.
- In advanced diabetes, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin. Continuing to push it with tablets is not useful. Timely initiation of insulin prevents complications.
- If an oral insulin tablet is developed in the future, it will replace injections — but until then, don’t delay insulin when it is needed.
6. Herbal medicines in jaundice
A common belief is that “natural” or “herbal” remedies are always safe.
- Reality: In jaundice, the liver is already compromised. Herbal medicines or any toxins are primarily metabolised by the liver, which makes the situation worse.
- Some herbs can directly damage liver cells and worsen jaundice.
- Remember: Everything green is not healthy. There are poisonous plants in nature that can kill humans.
It is far safer to avoid unproven herbal medicines and follow your doctor’s advice for jaundice management.
Do’s & Don’ts
✅ Do’s
- Take medicines exactly as prescribed.
- Inform your doctor before stopping or changing any drug.
- Include at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
- Ask your doctor if medicines can be reduced after lifestyle improvements.
- Trust scientifically proven treatments over myths.
❌ Don’ts
- Don’t skip medicines before tests — it alters results and misguides treatment.
- Don’t stop antibiotics midway — it causes resistance.
- Don’t fear insulin — it is a lifesaving therapy when needed.
- Don’t believe that all “natural” products are safe.
- Don’t self-medicate with herbal remedies during jaundice or liver disease.
Final thoughts
Medicines and lifestyle changes go hand in hand. Skipping or misusing medicines can harm your health, while simple habits like daily exercise, balanced diet, and regular follow-ups make a huge difference. Always clarify doubts with your doctor rather than relying on myths.
About the Author
Dr. Raja Ramesh, MD (Osmania)
Consultant Physician & Diabetologist in Attapur, Hyderabad
Available at Germanten Hospital (10am–5pm) & Care Clinic Attapur (5pm–8pm).
📞 Call +91 7989676770 for appointments.