If you can lose weight change your diet increase your activity level or change your medications you may be able to reduce or stop insulin therapy. Under certain circumstances you may only need insulin temporarily acute illness after surgery or when treated with drugs that increase their bodys resistance to the action of insulin such as prednisone or steroids. Often the insulin therapy can be stopped after the event or stress is over. If you eliminate concentrated sources of carbohydrates foods that turn into sugar in your blood stream like candy and cookies you may be able to reduce or eliminate the need for diabetes medications.