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Really scared now

123Jo123

Member
I am just starting to get my head around being diabetic (44 bmi of 22 and was very fit - they thought i was lada or type 1 but i dont have any antibodies and my insulin is in normal range so im being refered to addenbrookes for more tests) and being on metformin 1000 in morning and 500 with dinner when doctors have rang and said that my choleserol is too high - cant remember exact figures as in shock but 1. something good and 3. something bad totally 5. something.

I ended up in hospital with high sugar and ketones but they said that i didnt have dka - my body was just burning my fat for energy ???? would this give me high cholesterol figure ????

I have never really liked taking tablets and is bad enough taking metformin - just getting used to after 6 weeks but now it looks like i will have to take more tablets. The side effects to statins dont look good. Also i am trying to put on weight so if i now cut fat as well how will i do that.

Please help with some advice as im scared and confused.
 
Statins are not so bad. It depends on what suits you, so if you do get side effects let the doc know, there are different sorts and one of them will suit you.

I take Simvastatin and don't have any major side effects, just a numbness in my thigh muscle after exercise but it soon goes away.

Cholesterol is manufactured in the body, high saturated fats can make it worse, but not always, so you just have to find out what fats you can eat and keep the number s low.

Fats I consume are:- Rape seed oil, butter, fish oils, and some olive oil. With the Simvastatin my good/bad total cholesterol is OK.

Note the butter, it doesn't seem to alter my Cholesterol levels at all, I always have some on my bread or toast and when I substituted soft margerine ( and yes, I really would believe that the horrible taste was not butter) it made no difference.

So don't panic, you just have to stick with it until things are sorted. You might need a different oral medication or maybe even insulin, but your blood sugars will get sorted eventually. When your BGs are down to good levels you might find that the cholesterol will sort itself out as well. There is a known relationship between high BGs and low "good" chloresterol, and as you may know the "good" chloresterol counters the "bad" stuff and by simple subtraction the doc can work out a figure and tell you you if it's good bad or indifferent.

If you don't understand the figures ask for a Nurse appointment and ask him/her to explain things in more detail.

I have to assume that you are controlling your carbohydrate input and monitoring you BGs after eating?

If not then you need to read the advice for "Newbies", it is important.

Your body will burn fat by turning it into sugars but only if there are no carbs available. Whether this affects or causes DKA or high blood sugars i am not sure, I dont think so, but then I am not a scientist. When fat is burned it can cause Ketones to rise, but this is not usually
a problem, this happens whenever we restrict calories when on a diet for instance.

Your prime goal has to be to get your BGs under control, the I think you will start to see an improvement in your general health and well being. It might take some months so don't be to impatient, anyway, a gradual reduction in BGs is better than rapid changes, your body needs time to adjust.

H
 
Hi. Don't panic over statins. Whilst they can cause problems, I've been on Simvastatin for many years and have no side effects I'm aware of. Just ensure they prescribe the smallest dose that does the job. Ref Metformin, if you are not on the Slow Release (SR) version and still have some problems do ask to change over to the SR version. Don't forget you can have unsaturated fats such as oily fish to keep the cholesterol down whilist having the calories.
 
You do not have to take statins. The choice is yours and no one elses.
Have a look at ways to lower it by dietary means as another option.
 
Thanks guys

since i have been on this dose of metformin for 5 weeks my bloods have been 6 and 7 fasting and two hours after. Does cholesterol test give you an average over 3 months or is it a snap shot of the day it was taken. If it is an average then it would be taking into account my high sugars but if not then would i need more than 5 weeks good blood sugar to bring my cholesterol down ??? This is all so confusing. I have been limiting carbs. find that i cant have any for breakfast - i have been eating bacon and eggs - bet that highered my cholestrol but can eat carbs after about 10. I can eat multi seed bread for lunch and as the day goes on i seem less resistant. i normally have a fasting of low 7. 7 after morning snack. high 6 after lunch 6 after snack, low 6 or high 5 after dinner and same after evening snack. Any suggests gratefully received
 
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