I'm positive lowering of overall BG levels + statins reduced my lipids profile dramatically but how do you separate the 2 ? For me (I think) statins were important to reduce my cholesterol and I did not suffer any obvious ill effect from taking them. However, I have been able to keep them at a fairly low level through diet and reduced BG levels.
When I was diagnosed, I had an horendous lipid profile. From the description it sounds as if my blood was thick and gloopy. I took statins, and started insulin. On dietitians advice I reduced saturated and increased good fats, (more oil in salad dressings , oily fish twice a week, avocados) plus much more veg and fruit in diet. I did not reduce overall carbs (I do use insulin) but selected them more carefully and measured their glycemic effect. (whole mixed grain bread, wholegrain rice and pasta etc). I already exercised but probably increased it. The results were a dramatic change in lipid profile.
More recently I tend to take the stain ( a lower dose from before)
very infrequently, although it is still prescribed. The LDL has risen but so has the HDL so the ratio is better. My diet has remained the same, as have exercise levels.
April 2005 / June 2005 (40 mg simvastatin) / March 2008
+ controlled BG (occasional
20mg statin)
fasting BG: 20.85mmol / HBA1c 6% / HBA1c 4.9%
plasma: opalescent / clear straw coloured / clear straw col
triglycerides: 3.19mmol / 1.45 mmol / 0.73mmol
total chol : 8.3mmol / 3.99mmol / 4.66mmol
HDL : 1.18mmol / 1.23mmol / 1.59mmol
LDL : 5.75mmol / 2.10mmol / 2.73mmol
total Ch/HDL: 7.06mmol / 3.22mmol / 2.91mmol
ratio
Sorry, my fairly clear chart didn't survive on posting