Rachel V Thomas

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Type 1 Diabetes: Student Nearly Dies After Diet Advice To Stop Insulin; Why Insulin Is Essential

A 30-year-old law student with <span>Type 1 diabetes</span> was hospitalized with <span>diabetic ketoacidosis</span> (DKA) after allegedly being advised to stop <span>insulin</span> while following the “VRK Diet” promoted by social media personality <span>Veeramachineni Ramakrishna</span>, popularly known as VRK.

According to the complaint, the student had been living with Type 1 diabetes since 2018. He alleged that he came across VRK’s social media videos claiming that the diet could permanently cure conditions including Type 1 diabetes, cancer and kidney disease.

The student later visited the VRK Health Care Centre in Hyderabad in September 2025, where he alleged that he was orally advised to stop taking insulin. He said he paid around ₹26,000 for supplements and services at the center.

Two days later, he was admitted to a private hospital with DKA and severe dehydration, according to the complaint. He was later discharged.

Hyderabad police have booked Ramakrishna and another person in an alleged fake-doctor and fraud case.  

<h2>Why Type 1 Diabetes Patients Must Never Stop Insulin</h2>

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/gut-microbiome-linked-to-3x-higher-type-1-diabetes-risk-in-children-article-156198602" data-type="tilCustomLink">Gut Microbiome Linked To 3x Higher Type 1 Diabetes Risk In Children</a>

More than 9 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with Type 1 diabetes, including about 1.8 million children and adolescents.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce insulin. Insulin helps glucose move from the blood into cells, where it is used for energy. People with Type 1 diabetes therefore need insulin to control their blood glucose.

“Insulin is not optional in Type 1 diabetes,” Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, said in a post on X.

He advised people with Type 1 diabetes to never stop insulin on their own, including when they are unwell or unable to eat.

“Insulin doses may sometimes need adjustment, but this should be done with guidance from your diabetes team,” he said.

<h2>What Happens If Insulin Is Stopped?</h2>

The NHS UK explains that the human body needs insulin to break down glucose, i.e. sugar, to turn it into energy. People who have type 1 diabetes need insulin devices as their own body cannot produce it.  

When the body does not have enough insulin, it cannot properly use glucose for energy. It starts breaking down fat instead, producing chemicals called ketones.

If ketones build up in the blood, they can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication.

DKA can develop when there is too little insulin, including when a person with Type 1 diabetes misses insulin doses.

Dr Kumar advised people with Type 1 diabetes to regularly monitor their blood glucose and check blood or urine ketones when indicated, particularly during illness or persistent high blood sugar.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/h-pylori-hpv-among-five-infections-behind-1-in-8-cancers-worldwide-lancet-article-156245302" data-type="tilCustomLink">H. pylori, HPV Among Five Infections Behind 1 In 8 Cancers Worldwide: Lancet</a>

<h2>Warning Signs Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis</h2>

Dr Kumar said people with Type 1 diabetes should know the warning signs of DKA, including:

<ul><li>Excessive thirst</li><li>Frequent urination</li><li>Nausea or vomiting</li><li>Abdominal pain</li><li>Dehydration</li><li>Rapid or deep breathing</li><li>Drowsiness or confusion</li></ul>

Anyone with symptoms suggestive of DKA should seek urgent medical care.

<h2>Can Diet Or Supplements Replace Insulin?</h2>

Type 1 diabetes is an incurable condition. Dr Kumar warned people to be extremely cautious about claims that Type 1 diabetes can be “cured” through supplements, diets, herbs or alternative treatments that allow insulin to be stopped.

“Check the qualifications and registration of anyone giving medical advice. Social-media popularity is NOT a substitute for medical training,” he said.

“One wrong piece of advice can have life-threatening consequences. For Type 1 diabetes, evidence-based medical care and uninterrupted access to insulin are essential,” he added.

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A 30-year-old law student with Type 1 diabetes was hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after allegedly being advised to stop insulin while following the “VRK Diet” promoted by social media personality Veeramachineni Ramakrishna, popularly known as VRK.According to the complaint, the student had been living with Type 1 diabetes since 2018. He alleged that he came across VRK’s social media videos claiming that the diet could permanently cure conditions including Type 1 diabetes, cancer and kidney disease.The student later visited the VRK Health Care Centre in Hyderabad in September 2025, where he alleged that he was orally advised to stop taking insulin. He said he paid around ₹26,000 for supplements and services at the center.Two days later, he was admitted to a private hospital with DKA and severe dehydration, according to the complaint. He was later discharged.Hyderabad police have booked Ramakrishna and another person in an alleged fake-doctor and fraud case.  Why Type 1 Diabetes Patients Must Never Stop InsulinAlso read: Gut Microbiome Linked To 3x Higher Type 1 Diabetes Risk In ChildrenMore than 9 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with Type 1 diabetes, including about 1.8 million children and adolescents.Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce insulin. Insulin helps glucose move from the blood into cells, where it is used for energy. People with Type 1 diabetes therefore need insulin to control their blood glucose.“Insulin is not optional in Type 1 diabetes,” Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, said in a post on X.He advised people with Type 1 diabetes to never stop insulin on their own, including when they are unwell or unable to eat.“Insulin doses may sometimes need adjustment, but this should be done with guidance from your diabetes team,” he said.What Happens If Insulin Is Stopped?The NHS UK explains that the human body needs insulin to break down glucose, i.e. sugar, to turn it into energy. People who have type 1 diabetes need insulin devices as their own body cannot produce it.  When the body does not have enough insulin, it cannot properly use glucose for energy. It starts breaking down fat instead, producing chemicals called ketones.If ketones build up in the blood, they can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication.DKA can develop when there is too little insulin, including when a person with Type 1 diabetes misses insulin doses.Dr Kumar advised people with Type 1 diabetes to regularly monitor their blood glucose and check blood or urine ketones when indicated, particularly during illness or persistent high blood sugar.Also read: H. pylori, HPV Among Five Infections Behind 1 In 8 Cancers Worldwide: Lancet Warning Signs Of Diabetic KetoacidosisDr Kumar said people with Type 1 diabetes should know the warning signs of DKA, including:Excessive thirstFrequent urinationNausea or vomitingAbdominal painDehydrationRapid or deep breathingDrowsiness or confusionAnyone with symptoms suggestive of DKA should seek urgent medical care.Can Diet Or Supplements Replace Insulin?Type 1 diabetes is an incurable condition. Dr Kumar warned people to be extremely cautious about claims that Type 1 diabetes can be “cured” through supplements, diets, herbs or alternative treatments that allow insulin to be stopped.“Check the qualifications and registration of anyone giving medical advice. Social-media popularity is NOT a substitute for medical training,” he said.“One wrong piece of advice can have life-threatening consequences. For Type 1 diabetes, evidence-based medical care and uninterrupted access to insulin are essential,” he added.

type 1 diabetes: student nearly dies after diet advice to stop insulin; why insulin is essential

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