Neuropathy?

Hi Daisy
I don’t take Statins and never will, there is more and more evidence to say they aren’t helpful particularly in women over a certain age. @bulkbiker has written extensively on this forum about them and cholesterol levels. They are known to raise blood sugar levels and cause odd aches and pains.
Well worth discussing it all with your GP or nurse,and remember it’s your decision whether you actually take medication, your HCPs can only advise.
I’ll edit this post with a link to @bulkbiker ’s latest thread for you when I’ve located it....
Here it is: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/cholesterol-and-statins.156985/

Edit for typo

Statins are known to raise bg levels and to cause muscle pain and/or weakness in some people.

DaisyCris said:

Hi, I'm T2, diagnosed about 20 years ago. My sugar levels have been good though I am now on Metformin. Recently I was put on Artovastatin, took some persuading as I was given that some years ago and had severe side effects, anyway since then my readings have been all over the place. I now have a 'hot' feeling at the back of my knee, also feels slightly swollen, sometimes a bit of pain in my leg. Is this neuropathy? And could the Artovastatin be the reason? I do have a check up booked but feel I need advice so I am armed a bit as my Diabetes nurse can be very persuasive. All advice will be very welcome. I am 71 years old.

Daisy

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It could well be - have a look at the info that comes with them or research them on the internet. You could also ask your chemist as they probably know more about the meds you are prescribed than the prescriber - I have done on a number of occasions and he’s very good. I refuse to take them because as well as causing other side effects such as sudden dizzy spells and sleep disturbance statins pushed my hba1c up from 48 at diagnosis to 54 - within 6 months of coming off them my BS was in the normal range and has stayed there for the last 5-6 years. I have the statin chat at my 6 monthly diabetic review but kindly reject the DNurses kind offer of a prescription. However hopefully that won’t happen next time because my new GP has annotated me as being Statin Intolerant’ on my notes.

DCUKMod said:

Please do not think I am suggesting you have DVT, but in your shoes, I would like to be checked out.

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I can't stress enough how much I agree with this!! I've been there. First time around I just wondered for a couple of weeks, massaged my calf, and ended up admitted to hospital with lung embolisms. I'm not saying it's not the atorvastatin, but def worth checking out if there could be another reason.

I think if it was the statins causing your leg pain it would be in both legs so as your pain is only in one I definitely think you should see your doctor about it.

DaisyCris said:

Thank you everyone, I am going to try to bring my surgery appointment closer. I do think it odd that only one knee was affected, but I did mention I had some discomfort with my knee at my 6 month check.. It really didn't seem to bother the Diabetes sister so I've just put up with it. Still not keen on the statins but not sure I dare refuse them

I am so grateful for the advice, beginning to realise I know very little about my condition, I note people talking about Hba1c for instance, no idea what that means..

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Hba1c is an average of your Blood Glucose levels measured over the last 2-3 months. A finger prick test only gives you what your BG looks like the minute you take it.
My advice to you is please get your knee checked out asap. If it is indeed a DVT it isn't necessarily diabetes related, so please get an urgent appointment with your GP. I hope he/she will refer you for an ultrasound scan, which will either diagnose a DVT or put you at ease. My calf (DVT) felt exactly like a sore muscle from doing too much exercise, so I wondered more than worried.
Have a pro check it out. Could be any number of things.