A new study presented at a major kidney conference suggests that a common class of blood pressure drugs may increase the risk of kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes. The findings have raised questions about whether some patients can safely stop taking hypertension medication — and what to consider before doing so.
Researchers presented the data in June 2026 at the 63rd European Renal Association Congress in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The study found that dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (DCCBs) — drugs like amlodipine and nifedipine — were associated with a 33% higher risk of major adverse kidney events in people with type 2 diabetes compared with other hypertension drugs. The results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
In response to the study, two experts spoke with reporters about the broader question of whether patients can ever stop taking blood pressure treatment, and what alternatives exist. Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian, and Rigved Tadwalkar, a consultative cardiologist, answered five common questions on the topic. Their advice offers a practical roadmap for anyone considering a change in their hypertension therapy.
When It Might Be Safe to Stop Blood Pressure Medication
Tadwalkar said that “it’s uncommon” for a person to stop blood pressure drugs entirely. But he noted that “there are situations where a person may be able to come off BP medication. The patients who tend to have the best chance are those with relatively mild hypertension, a recent diagnosis, or those who have made substantial lifestyle changes that meaningfully lowered their blood pressure.”
Tadwalkar emphasized that stopping should never be abrupt.
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“Even then I generally recommend doing it gradually and with close monitoring rather than stopping medication abruptly. Some blood pressure drugs can lead to rebound increases in BP when stopped suddenly, and even when that’s not the case, blood pressure can climb back up faster than many people expect,” he said.
Routhenstein said she often sees physicians gradually reduce or discontinue medications when a person’s BP has been consistently maintained within a healthy range through lifestyle and dietary adjustments. She stressed that hypertension drugs should never be stopped without medical supervision, as this can cause BP to rebound or worsen.
Not All Blood Pressure Medications Are the Same
“Blood pressure medications belong to several different classes, and each works through a different mechanism,” Routhenstein explained. Depending on the underlying factors — fluid retention, vascular resistance, kidney function, or heart conditions — a physician may recommend switching to a different drug rather than stopping treatment altogether.
She noted that she works with many people who have resistant hypertension, meaning their BP stays high despite taking multiple classes of drugs. In those cases, targeted dietary and lifestyle interventions can sometimes lower blood pressure more effectively than medication alone. Tadwalkar added that changing medications is usually a better option than stopping entirely. “In many cases, the fact that the medication is working is evidence that it is needed. Our goal is usually to find the right medication and dose that controls BP while fitting comfortably into a person’s life,” he said.
A recurring tension in hypertension treatment is that medications can effectively lower BP, but their long-term effects on other organs aren’t always fully understood. For patients with type 2 diabetes, the choice of drug may matter as much as the decision to treat. The DCCB study is a reminder that not all hypertension drugs carry the same risks — and that switching, rather than stopping, may be the better path for some.
Whether Lifestyle Changes Can Replace Medication
“For some people, yes. For many others, no. That distinction is important because hypertension isn’t simply a reflection of willpower or lifestyle choices. Genetics, age, kidney function, vascular health, and a number of other factors play a role as well,” Tadwalkar said. He noted that patients with mild elevations may achieve excellent control through behavioral measures alone, especially when adjustments are made early. But plenty of people who exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and eat well still require medication.
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Routhenstein said that the first line of treatment for high BP is through diet and daily habits. She listed several contributors that can be addressed: excess fructose intake, reduced nitric oxide production, nutrient inadequacies, chronic inflammation, excess body weight, poor sleep, and physical inactivity. “When these underlying drivers are addressed, blood pressure often improves significantly and in many cases normalizes,” she added.
Natural Interventions That Help Lower Blood Pressure
Routhenstein recommended addressing gut health and ensuring adequate intake of potassium, magnesium, and calcium from food. She also pointed to achieving and maintaining a heart-healthy weight, regular physical activity including resistance training, limiting or avoiding alcohol, managing stress, and prioritizing sleep quality — including evaluation and treatment of sleep apnea when present.
Tadwalkar said that the interventions with “measurable and sustainable” benefits are also “the least glamorous.” He listed regular physical activity, reducing excess dietary sodium, maintaining a healthy weight, improving sleep quality, cutting back on drinking, and managing stress as actions that can have meaningful effects on BP.
The Role of the DASH Diet
Both experts referenced the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating pattern as a well-studied approach. Tadwalkar explained that it emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean protein sources while limiting excess sodium and highly processed foods. Many of these foods are naturally rich in potassium, which helps balance some of sodium’s effects on blood pressure.
Routhenstein said that reducing excess sodium while increasing potassium-rich foods — such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and potatoes — can support healthy BP levels. Tadwalkar summed it up: “The best results usually come from combining a thoughtful diet with appropriate medical therapy rather than viewing them as competing strategies.”
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