re Statins,
This started long before I was disgnosed type 2.
Way back in 1998, I had a cholesterol reading of 9.6 and was prescribed my first lot of stains.
Things seemed ok at first and they certainly brought the cholesterol reading down.
I then started getting severe and debilitating joint pain, especially in my hips and elbows, which at its worst prevented me from exercising. At first I put this down to being overweight and getting older. My wife also swears that my personality was being affected, with me becoming less decisive and less "smart". Tried two alternative statins but didn't help much.
Read a book called "The Cholesterol Con" which convinced me that putting half the population on a class of drug for 30 years or so was a seriously bad idea and that some of the data used to justify this over prescription was just plain wrong.
I then became what my doctor at the time labeled a "knowledgable refuser" or some such.
It took a long time for the joint pain to go completely, I think about six months. Since then I've been fine and exercise regularly, although obviously the high levels of cholesterol are back. My wife also says I'm "back to my old self".
When diagnosed type 2, the diabetic specialist doctor at our practice immediately wanted to put me back on statins (my reading was 8.0), and ACE blood pressure medication, without giving diet, weight loss or increased exercise a chance. I refused both for now.
Having seen the dietician, I am now trying Benecol drink once a day to see if that helps at all.
I find it very difficult to question the judgement of an experienced, specialist doctor and support my views by quoting "people on the forum" and other sources without seeming to be grasping at quack medicine but I can't override my natural cynicism streak on this.
I wouldn't want to influence anyone else to disagree with their medical team. I'm only prepared to makle a decision for me. Time will tell (or maybe not in this random universe).