by Bonny C Damocles
QUESTION: I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after a blood glucose reading of 468 mg/dL. With my cardiologist’s approval, I used intensive stair-running instead of diabetes medicine. My glucose later fell to 130–140 mg/dL, and most of my HbA1c results over 25 years were 5.2–6.3% without medication. Can other people control diabetes this way?
A current glucose reading of 468 mg/dL requires urgent medical assessment and should not be treated by intense exercise. Severe hyperglycemia may be accompanied by dehydration, ketones, diabetic ketoacidosis, or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Go to emergency care for vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid or difficult breathing, fruity-smelling breath, confusion, severe weakness, fainting, inability to keep fluids down, or moderate or high ketones.
Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc
Hello Bonny,
Your long-term commitment to physical activity is impressive, and your reported HbA1c results are encouraging. However, this individual experience should not be presented as proof that people with severe hyperglycemia can safely refuse medication or exercise as hard as possible.
A random laboratory plasma glucose of 200 mg/dL or higher can establish diabetes when accompanied by classic symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss, or when a hyperglycemic crisis is present. Without unequivocal hyperglycemia, diagnosis normally requires confirmation with another abnormal laboratory result, such as HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, or a repeat glucose test.
Because this occurred in 1991, the original symptoms and laboratory records would be needed to determine exactly how the diagnosis was established. Our guide to blood tests used to diagnose diabetes explains current criteria.
Physical activity usually improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control, but very high glucose changes the safety calculation. When glucose is severely elevated, especially with dehydration or ketones, strenuous exercise can raise stress hormones, worsen hyperglycemia, and increase the risk of a metabolic emergency.
A person with glucose above 350 mg/dL should not begin intense exercise as a home treatment. Ketones, hydration, symptoms, diabetes type, cardiovascular status, and the cause of the high glucose must be assessed first. Learn more in our exercise and diabetes safety guide.
If the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was accurate and HbA1c remained below 6.5% for at least three months without glucose-lowering medicine, the current medical term would be type 2 diabetes remission. Remission is not the same as a cure. Glucose can rise again with aging, illness, weight change, reduced activity, or declining pancreatic function.
An HbA1c between 5.2% and 6.3% can be excellent, but it does not by itself prove that diabetes has disappeared or that complications are absent. Continued glucose and cardiovascular monitoring remain important.
Some people can maintain glucose targets through sustained nutrition, weight management, and activity, particularly early in type 2 diabetes. Others need medication from diagnosis because glucose is very high, symptoms are present, or lifestyle changes alone do not provide safe control.
Medication is not a failure. It can protect against prolonged hyperglycemia while lifestyle measures continue. No one should delay or stop prescribed treatment because another person reported success without medicine. Our overview of diabetes medicines and their benefits explains why treatment must be individualized.
At age 80, exercise should support cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, balance, and independence without creating unnecessary fall or cardiac risk. One or two hours of daily stair-running is not a standard recommendation for older adults and may be unsafe for someone with heart disease, neuropathy, vision problems, joint disease, or impaired balance.
A clinician can help select a gradual plan that may include walking, resistance exercise, balance work, and shorter activity sessions. The intensity should be based on current health rather than a stress test performed decades earlier.
Feeling well and having a good HbA1c do not rule out silent complications. Ongoing care should include blood pressure and cholesterol assessment, kidney testing with estimated GFR and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, dilated eye examinations, foot and nerve assessment, and cardiovascular risk review.
Keep a record of HbA1c, fasting and after-meal readings, activity, weight, blood pressure, and medical screening. A blood sugar log can help document whether remission is continuing.
A new reading of 468 mg/dL should never be managed by running stairs or waiting to see whether exercise lowers it. Recheck once with clean, dry hands while arranging urgent care. If glucose remains above 400 mg/dL, the meter says “HI,” or symptoms of dehydration or ketoacidosis occur, go to an emergency department.
Bonny’s reported results may illustrate a highly successful individual course or remission, but they should not be used as a universal treatment plan. Anyone newly diagnosed with glucose near 468 mg/dL needs prompt assessment, confirmation of diabetes type, and an individualized plan covering medication, nutrition, monitoring, and safe physical activity.
Educational safety note: This answer is for general diabetes education only. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change medicines, supplements, diet, or exercise plans without speaking with your healthcare provider.
Last reviewed: July 2026.
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