Atorvastatin / Lipitor Blood Sugar Info Needed Please

[Eurobuff]

Hi, I'm just wondering if people would be willing to share their hba1c readings before and after taking Atorvastatin or Lipitor.

My mother has been taking Simvastatin for 12 years and her hba1c was 7%. Last October her statin was changed to Atorvastatin (or Lipitor) and she noticed that her blood sugar readings were higher than normal, so she spoke to the doctor and told him she was halving the dose. She's just had her hba1c done and it has come back as 8%.

A colleague at work was also taking Simvastatin and his hba1c has been 6.5 - 7%. Last September his statin was changed to Atorvastatin (or Lipitor) (higher dose than mum's) His hba1c has come back as 9%.

Neither of them have changed their diet or done anything differently. The information leaflet in the medication states that it may increase blood sugar, but when this has been mentioned at both their GP surgeries, they have been told it's coincidence and that it wouldn't increase their sugars by that much.

Any info to prove or disprove this would be appreciated.

 

[Daphne917]

My hba1c was 48 when I was diagnosed and was prescribed Pravostatin "because all diabetics should take them" - my next hba1c was 54! At the time I told my DN that I'd read that statins can raise BS but was ignored however I came off the statins due to other side affects and, within 6 months my hba1c was down to 42 - it's now down to 36. I am convinced that it was the statins but I'm no sure how similar Atorvastatin is to Pravostatin.

 

[Eurobuff]

My hba1c was 48 when I was diagnosed and was prescribed Pravostatin "because all diabetics should take them" - my next hba1c was 54! At the time I told my DN that I'd read that statins can raise BS but was ignored however I came off the statins due to other side affects and, within 6 months my hba1c was down to 42 - it's now down to 36. I am convinced that it was the statins but I'm no sure how similar Atorvastatin is to Pravostatin.

That's interesting, the one you were on is supposed to increase sugar levels the least of all, but the other side effects are greater

 

[Daphne917]

I came off them with my doctor's consent because I kept getting dizzy spells which my pharmacist confirmed was a side affect. I declined the offer to be prescribed another brand!

 

[Eurobuff]

My mother suffers the aches & pains side effects. I've been told by someone who has a friend in the NHS that GP's are getting £150 bonus for every patient that is prescribed a statin.

 

[Daphne917]

My GP has lost his then because, despite having the 'statins' conversation with my DN every check up, I have no intention of taking statins again!

 

[lindisfel]

I think that is a story! My daughter is a GP I shall ask her when she comes back off holiday. Derek

My mother suffers the aches & pains side effects. I've been told by someone who has a friend in the NHS that GP's are getting £150 bonus for every patient that is prescribed a statin.