Ive just been told I am pre diabetic (routine blood test). Ive looked at meds and seen that artorvastatin can encourage type 2 diabetes. I am on 80mg, previously 40mg, so I am wondering if a reduction in dose may return my levels to normal. I’ll be see GP for direction but anyone got any knowledge or advice? (Ive no diet or other lifestyle danger markers).
Just thought I’d share the knowledge re statin and ill feedback what happens…..
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I too am on 80mgs so will look out for that. As long as your cholesterol levels are ok there shouldn’t be a problem reducing the dose or you could ask to change over to a different statin.
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I had a blood test which put me as prediabetic. I saw the doctor and was told not to worry as i didn’t have diabetes. Exercise is one of the things recommended which is a bit of a problem for me. I was invited on a course but was told at the doctors it was optional. I take atorvastatin but don’t know how much without checking. I will have a look.
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I am on 40mg I don’t know what level is ‘safe’.
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Normal to become Diabetic after stroke - my solution is magnesium and fasting and earthing !
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Thanks everyone,
Jenny - I was put on 40 mg originally but the GP upped it to 80. I checked with the consultant amd he was happy
.
Pando - Thanks I didn’t know that I’ll read up. Pre diabetic state can be reversed i think I hope so maybe a lower dose will help do this if that’s advised. Im hoping to avoid diabetes.
Mrs 5k - hopefully all will become clear with cholesterol etc when I talk to GP.
I will update with what she says. Thanks again everyone.
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This is exactly what happened to me. When i asked consultant he said that’s what the guidelines recommend after stroke & he wouldn’t change what GP had done.
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I was put on 80mg as my cholesterol was about 7.2, after about 6 months the level dropped to about 2.6, so I asked to be reduced and now I am on 20mg. Should get another blood test to see what my level is now!
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Thats interesting because what I read (on internet) is that the risk of type 2 diabetes is from higher doses. I was ok with increasing to 80 as otherwise after my second stroke there would be no change so I feared same outcome. Things seem to be going much better now so I’m reluctant to change anything but then, maybe ive got a better base to build on now
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Interesting Wolfie - & thanks. See what the cholesterol is hopefully things will become clearer with the GP. It’s a variable feast with GPs I hardly ever see my own though a couple of the other ones are pretty good. I think I’ll be asking for regular blood tests - I guess they will be monitoring anyways for a while now….. thanks again.
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I have just read a book called “The Clot Thickens” by Dr Malcolm Kendrick which is published on Amazon. It opened my eyes to a lot of things. He is a GP and lectures. In the book he explains why bodies make cholesterol in a way a non medical person can understand. He also advises on vitamins and supplements. I highly recommend it.
Mabel
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A few things to consider when talking to your GP…
The measure they use to detect pre-diabetes, HbA1c, is really just an indicator of your average blood glucose level over the past two or three months. You really need more than a single data point to show the imminent onset of diabetes (as opposed to an increased risk).
Statins have been found to increase risk of diabetes, but there is a strong argument that it’s amongst people who were already at risk. People on statins are dealing with conditions that pre-dispose them to diabetes, making it very difficult to disentangle.
As well as reducing LDL your statins are serving to stabilise existing arterial plaque, which further reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
These were all factors that I discussed with my cardiologist last year and which led me to decide to stick with the statins and pursue a course of restricting carbs to reduce HbA1c. I won’t know for sure how successful I’ve been until my next birthday checkup in May, but a recent stint wearing a glucose monitor has showed some significant improvements compared to six months ago.
Usual disclaimers: what works for me may not be what is right for you, and I most certainly am not a doctor.
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Thanks Mabel,
I’ll take a look at that. Probably wait until ive seen the GP as a lot will stem from that.
Thanks again…. Richard.
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Thanks Harimanjaro,
Thats really great thanks and all understood. Very logical more than one point of data. I definitely do not want to stop statins for all th reasons you state. I’ll see what the GP says then consider whereducing carbs is the way to go. Im not exactly a stick insect but not overweight I really don’t know what has caused this.
Thank you again for all that info
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I am a diabetic type 2 controlled solely by diet. Many medications cause a rise in blood glucose, some of which have been prescribed for me. Read up on your meds and you’ll see the main offenders - useful to know as many medical professionals I have found are unaware of this. But we have to take those meds, and manage the results.
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I also read “The Clot Thickens” by Malcolm Kendrick and it is very good - It also speaks the truth about statins. In that book you will read that statins deplete you of CoQ10 ; so I & Malcolm Kedrick advise taking that as a supplement.
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Thanks Dexter,
So far ive only been told by the receptionist- not very satisfactory. I plan to get an appointment Monday. I will continue to read up - we have to look after ourselves it seems so knowledge & advice like yours is very valuable. Diet seems to be the way.
Thanks again
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Diet is so important. It’s a cliche, but we really are what we eat.
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I was diagnosed with type 2 12 years ago I managed to keep the diabetes away for 10 years I then got I diagnosis of epilepsy which stopped me in my tracks as far as walking went I am on meds now for type 2. Then had a mini stroke Boxing Day still doing exercises at home to get hopefully recovered from that once I’m fit enough I’m definitely getting back to my walking however with this conditions I have I will walk now within the estate I live just feel more comfortable walking with all houses around. My first post take care everyone
Scotia
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Thanks Scotia
Im sorry about your stroke and welcome to this community - none of us wanted to be here but there are some amazing people on here and we all help each other. An incredible group of friends.
Your diabetes experience is much appreciated.
From what you describe the walking will come. We have been lucky with having had smaller strokes. My experience is I started just like you walking locally around the estate and park. Im now 5 months later starting to get back on the hills - nothing major yet but I’m doing it. It takes time the tiredness is a battle too. For me i think walking is a major motivation and key for recovery. Keep trekking friend i know you will get there.
Picture, if it loads ok is from last Sunday.
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