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Type 2 Cholesterol Numbers are Confusing Me!

Rachox

Rachox

Oracle
Retired Moderator
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17,611
Location
Oxford
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
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Here as you can see are my last two cholesterol test results. Neither were fasting tests. I've completely confused myself feeding them into cholesterol and ratio calculators. My GP mentioned Statins in July but I said I wasn't keen and could we talk about it further at next review, he agreed. My next review is on Friday and I know he'll bring up Statins again. I think my cholesterol numbers are worse but have read that cholesterol numbers can deteriorate if you loose weight and will only improve once weight is stable. I've lost 3 1/2 stone since diagnosis in May and I'm still loosing. I have been eating more fat (butter, cream etc …) since starting low carb menus. What do you experienced people think of my numbers? I know ultimately it's my choice whether I take Statins but want to be able to discuss it sensibly.
 
Yes, you can "deteriorate" whilst losing weight, but non-fasting isn't really an ideal measure. Your lipids will be busy swimming about clearing up the food that is digesting and will show up in your blood stream. They aren't really comparable because you will have had different food at different times on each occasion. Next time you need to fast, no matter what the surgery says. Even so, in my opinion your levels are nowhere near drastic.

Have a look at this
http://cholesterolcode.com/a-simple-guide-to-cholesterol-on-low-carb/
 
I believe you have just lost a significant amount of weight (for which you should be congratulated :D).

Weightloss often raises cholesterol. The fat is released and circulates to where it is used as fuel, so that is hardly surprising.

Also, if your tests were non-fasting, it will affect the results.

In your situation I would be clear in my mind that
- cholesterol may drop after weight has stabilised for several weeks
- the doc can advise, encourage and suggest, but no one can medicate you without your agreement
- it is worth reading up on statins and making your own mind up
 
This afternoon I watched the films Statin Nation and Statin Nation 2 needless to say I won't be taking statins ever...
 
Bluetit1802 said:
Yes, you can "deteriorate" whilst losing weight, but non-fasting isn't really an ideal measure. Your lipids will be busy swimming about clearing up the food that is digesting and will show up in your blood stream. They aren't really comparable because you will have had different food at different times on each occasion. Next time you need to fast, no matter what the surgery says. Even so, in my opinion your levels are nowhere near drastic.

Have a look at this
http://cholesterolcode.com/a-simple-guide-to-cholesterol-on-low-carb/
Click to expand...
Thank you! That has filled in some gaps in my knowledge :)
 
Brunneria said:
I believe you have just lost a significant amount of weight (for which you should be congratulated :D).

Weightloss often raises cholesterol. The fat is released and circulates to where it is used as fuel, so that is hardly surprising.

Also, if your tests were non-fasting, it will affect the results.

In your situation I would be clear in my mind that
- cholesterol may drop after weight has stabilised for several weeks
- the doc can advise, encourage and suggest, but no one can medicate you without your agreement
- it is worth reading up on statins and making your own mind up
Click to expand...
Thank you, yes three and a half stone gone and still loosing. I will point that out to my GP and remind him that I've never been asked to fast before these tests. I have heard a lot about the side effects of Statins but will read some more.
 
bulkbiker said:
This afternoon I watched the films Statin Nation and Statin Nation 2 needless to say I won't be taking statins ever...
Click to expand...
Can you provide a synopsis of the films, not sure I have time for two films before Friday, I have a busy week! ;)
 
In a nutshell.... unless you have had a cardiac event then statins are worse than useless and cause more problems than they solve.
The science behind them is highly likely to have been manipulated by the big pharma firms that have made billions from them.
Higher cholesterol does not lead to heart disease nor does saturated fat ...whatever we have been told.
Hope that helps.. and especially for females higher cholesterol levels are usually associated with greater longevity.
 
bulkbiker said:
In a nutshell.... unless you have had a cardiac event then statins are worse than useless and cause more problems than they solve.
The science behind them is highly likely to have been manipulated by the big pharma firms that have made billions from them.
Higher cholesterol does not lead to heart disease nor does saturated fat ...whatever we have been told.
Hope that helps.. and especially for females higher cholesterol levels are usually associated with greater longevity.
Click to expand...
Thank you! That's saved me a few hours! :joyful:
 
Rachox said:
I will point that out to my GP and remind him that I've never been asked to fast before these tests. I have heard a lot about the side effects of Statins but will read some more.
Click to expand...

Your doctor is simply following the NICE recommendations that it is not necessary to fast. These tests always used to be fasting until these guidelines changed. The reasoning behind it seems to be that fasting tests have to be done early morning for the comfort of the patient, so surgeries struggled to fit everyone in and there were long waiting lists. It clearly benefits the surgeries and surgery time to be able to spread the tests throughout the day.
 
Bluetit1802 said:
Your doctor is simply following the NICE recommendations that it is not necessary to fast. These tests always used to be fasting until these guidelines changed. The reasoning behind it seems to be that fasting tests have to be done early morning for the comfort of the patient, so surgeries struggled to fit everyone in and there were long waiting lists. It clearly benefits the surgeries and surgery time to be able to spread the tests throughout the day.
Click to expand...
I can always pick an early appt. next time. I should be able to if I book well in advance, and then fast anyway! :joyful:
 
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