Diabetes?

[Roy]

Ever since I was diagnosed with high blood pressure a good few years ago I have been on medication. This has not only included smarties for the BP but also Simvastatin for cholesterol control.
As statins can cause liver damage I have to go for a blood test every year to check its all still tickity-boo and every year I go see the nurse to get the results.

Every time the story has been the same - 'liver function is fine but your blood sugar is a bit high, nothing to worry about, but bear it in mind' not quite diabetic but glucose intolerant. This month was no different, but I got a real lecture from the nurse about my diet. I don't use sugar at all at home, I only eat and drink chocolate on a certain dive boat and always keep an eye on sugar (and fat) content of what I do eat as since my heart op I feel I have a second chance and want to remain fairly healthy.

When I got home I felt a bit peeved about this lecture and did a little research. Imaging my surprise to find, after only a couple of minutes, that there is a causal link between statins and drug induced diabetes! In fact in America vocur (simvastatin) carries a health warning to that effect.

Absolutely no mention of that at the quacks, oh no, must be my fault for eating sugar lumps all day.

So I have a choice:

Stop taking the statins, reduce the risk of diabetes, but have a heart attack

or

keep taking the statins and put up with diabetes when it arrives

(Just thought I'd share.)

[Chriselliott]

Diabetes?

Change your statin. From memory the newer ones have lower 'risks'. And you are entitled to ask for a specific drug as long as its licensed for your condition

[Gary]

and stop eating all the crunchies!

[AndrewRawlingson]

Diabetes?

...or a trial off the statin to see what effect this has on your glucose tolerance*, then you will have your answer.


*once discussed with your healthcare provider.

[Mrs Calamity]

There is some evidence in an increase in diabetes in those who are taking statin however this is not clear cut causality and the risk is very low.

However what is much clearer is the evidence for statins efficacy they have really solid evidence behind risk reduction in cardiovascular disease for those who have had previous heart attack and stroke and those who are previously fit and well.

I can't comment on your specific case but you could look at the other risk factors you may have for diabetes and see if you can change those:

• Weight- keep BMI Less than 25
• Waist size - aim for less than 37" - this is independant of weight
• Regular exercise

HTH

[Roy]

There is some evidence in an increase in diabetes in those who are taking statin however this is not clear cut causality and the risk is very low. So why do they carry a health warning in the states?

However what is much clearer is the evidence for statins efficacy they have really solid evidence behind risk reduction in cardiovascular disease for those who have had previous heart attack and stroke and those who are previously fit and well. Not yet had a heart attack or stroke

I can't comment on your specific case but you could look at the other risk factors you may have for diabetes and see if you can change those:

• Weight- keep BMI Less than 25 currently 25
• Waist size - aim for less than 37" - this is independant of weight currently 32"
• Regular exercise small gym at home, used daily
  

HTH

[Mrs Calamity]

"So why do they carry a health warning in the states?"

They carry a warning in this country too. However generally the risks of taking statins are outweighed by the benefits. Is there nothing in the information leaflet that states there is a risk?

[Roy]

"So why do they carry a health warning in the states?"

They carry a warning in this country too. However generally the risks of taking statins are outweighed by the benefits. Is there nothing in the information leaflet that states there is a risk?

Nope and I've read it carefully.

Just found out the one I'm on can also cause kidney damage. Seeing quack on Friday!

[Chriselliott]

Diabetes?

Read the bit of paper in your aspirin tablets. Death is listed as a side effect. Drugs don't have side effects. They have desirable and undesirable effects. Newer drugs tend to have better desirable and less undesirable. But they cost more so the nhs wont fund them

[Roy]

Read the bit of paper in your aspirin tablets. Death is listed as a side effect.

But I'm not dead, so that's not bothering me at the moment.
High blood sugar is.

[Roy]

Been to see the quack. His verdict?

" don't know if they are doing you any good, stop taking them and we will re-evaluate in a few months"

[AndrewRawlingson]

Been to see the quack. His verdict?

" don't know if they are doing you any good, stop taking them and we will re-evaluate in a few months"

sounds sensible to me.

[Roy]

The follow up verdict from quack after 6 weeks off statins:

'Blood sugar is down and perfect, cholesterol is fine. Don't resume taking the statins, they are not giving you any benefit.'

[Letz]

That's excellent

[Ian@1904]

Blood sugar down

The follow up verdict from quack after 6 weeks off statins:

'Blood sugar is down and perfect, cholesterol is fine. Don't resume taking the statins, they are not giving you any benefit.'

Great news. I will instruct Bob to go for the full on cholesterol menu.