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Still confused about statins
- Thread starter Sam72
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Whilst I'm not challenging an elevated number (versus a non-diabetic population), I am unhappy when all diabetics, or even all T1/T2 of whatever are lumped together. In discussion with my GP recently, she commented that most T2s don't take proactive and effective steps to manage their diabetes, so the evidence many T2s don't do that well shouldn't be a massive surprise to us. For those of us running, for a while, in the non-diabetic ranges, it feels like it would be more helpful if some for on weighting could be applied when risk factors are being considered.
I appreciate weightings and subjective assessments make it more difficult to consistently apply judgements and therefore guidelines to a larger population.
Labels and binary approaches aren't helpful in my view. But, obviously Planet Breathe is a perfect place to live.
A
AnnieC
Guest
If your cholesterol was 8 at your last test then that is quite high so statins could be good for you. I have been taking them for about 5 years now and have never had any side effects.
Statins have always been a very controversial subject on here as there are very much the fors and againsts for them but don't let someones horror story about them sway your decision you have to do what is best for you
Statins have always been a very controversial subject on here as there are very much the fors and againsts for them but don't let someones horror story about them sway your decision you have to do what is best for you
runner2009
Well-Known Member
Whilst I'm not challenging an elevated number (versus a non-diabetic population), I am unhappy when all diabetics, or even all T1/T2 of whatever are lumped together. In discussion with my GP recently, she commented that most T2s don't take proactive and effective steps to manage their diabetes, so the evidence many T2s don't do that well shouldn't be a massive surprise to us. For those of us running, for a while, in the non-diabetic ranges, it feels like it would be more helpful if some for on weighting could be applied when risk factors are being considered.
I appreciate weightings and subjective assessments make it more difficult to consistently apply judgements and therefore guidelines to a larger population.
Labels and binary approaches aren't helpful in my view. But, obviously Planet Breathe is a perfect place to live.
Its a difficult problem, but the fact is that most of us have too high of BMIs and our BG is often higher than normal and we tend to spike higher post meals and that is where damage is done.
The other issue is that most of us have done damage to our nervous and cardiovascular systems even though we may or may not be aware. It takes years and years of normalized BG to reverse some of the damage.
If you are diabetic and your blood work is even better than borderline it and you can tolerate statins it seems like a good idea.
pavlosn
Well-Known Member
I should have added to this that despite having a positive personal experience with statins, now that the doctor wants to start my eleven year old son on them, I am struggling to decide whether I should consent or not.
runner2009
Well-Known Member
Difficult decision. Do you know if there have been studies of prepubescent taking statins?
Soon genetic testing will be even cheaper and it will help make the decision easier?
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- I reversed my Type 2
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Has he had any blood work done? I know you familial hyperlipidaemia, but the little guy has other genes too.
Daibell
Master
Hi. A few points to add to the many good contributions so far. If your BS is well controlled as a diabetic your cardiac risk is little different from a non-diabetic hence there is no need for a 'good' daibetic to be offered statins any more than anyone else. Most of us know that arteries clogged with cholesterol plaque aren't caused by injesting fat but by a far more complex process thru the liver and which appears to be dependent to some extent on the genes you have. Many' like myself, can take stains with no side effects apparently, whereas my wife's liver objected violently and she had to stop within 3 days. She has had Hep A previously. Did the GP take notice of that; no. So side effects can vary from none to simply dangerous. Do GPs raise yellow cards when they come across bad side effects; no. Stains increase BS a bit; not very useful for diabetics. The body uses cholesterol to repair damage; perhaps this is why it increases as we get older? Statins reduce CoQ10 in the body so a supplement should be taken as I do. Do GPs recommend CoQ10; no. I could go on. If you agree to take them take the lowest dose needed to keep you below 5-6 (not 4!) not based on any real scientific evidence. Look out for the well-known symptoms and stop if you hit them. Take CoQ10. As others have said note your LDL/HDL ratio and rely on the ratio rathen than total cholesterol; many surgeries like mine don't do that.
runner2009
Well-Known Member
Believe it or not my GP only would take my LDL and not the HDL or triglycerides because "they are meaningless" because they don't change. Unbelievable.
pavlosn
Well-Known Member
Yes and unfortunately I have passed on my genes to him. He has been tested twice with results of 280 and 300 mg.
To be honest I would have no problem going on statins later on( as I said my experience with them has been positive) but something nags me that it may be best for him to at least go through puberty first. Current medical thinking is that statin therapy should start at 10 I understand.
It's funny that I probably was always able to accept news about my own health reasonably easily and follow doctors instructions without too much agonizing, but when it comes to my son I find it very difficult.
C
catherinecherub
Guest
Hi @Sam72,
There are so many conflicting articles as to whether statins are good or bad and it is very difficult to make a decision. Some forum members can take them and have no side effects and they see an improvement in their cholesterol levels. Others have such a bad reaction that they have to stop them.
Trying to reach a conclusion about taking them is like walking through treacle. Your G.P. should let you discuss and give you reasons why he is prescribing rather than something like, "all diabetics should take them".
This article is about the pros and cons.
http://www.physicianspractice.com/l...tice.com/statin-therapy-current-pros-and-cons
There are so many conflicting articles as to whether statins are good or bad and it is very difficult to make a decision. Some forum members can take them and have no side effects and they see an improvement in their cholesterol levels. Others have such a bad reaction that they have to stop them.
Trying to reach a conclusion about taking them is like walking through treacle. Your G.P. should let you discuss and give you reasons why he is prescribing rather than something like, "all diabetics should take them".
This article is about the pros and cons.
http://www.physicianspractice.com/l...tice.com/statin-therapy-current-pros-and-cons
- Messages
- 11,582
- Type of diabetes
- I reversed my Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
I think your angst is perfectly understandable.
Completely as a matter of interest, did his blood work also include an HbA1c? Bearing in mind there is some consideration blood scores can elevate slightly for those on statins, it might be interesting to understand what his base point is. I can see from photos you have posted that he looks to e a fit and active lad, without any spare poundage, but T2 can also e familial.
pavlosn
Well-Known Member
I don't believe he was given an hba1c test, probably just a fasting glucose test that came back normal. I will need to go back and check.
My maternal grandfather was t2 and so was my wife's maternal grandmother so you are right that the genes are there.
clairemcg
Active Member
@runner2009, now I'm thinking to take them, my bmi is high cholesterol also (though I didn't take in the numbers the doc told me)
She prescribed 10mg of atorvastatin, that's a low dose?
I'm on very low carbs and determined to get the weight off and be healthy.
Maybe I should just see if I can tolerate them
She prescribed 10mg of atorvastatin, that's a low dose?
I'm on very low carbs and determined to get the weight off and be healthy.
Maybe I should just see if I can tolerate them
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@runner2009, now I'm thinking to take them, my bmi is high cholesterol also (though I didn't take in the numbers the doc told me)
She prescribed 10mg of atorvastatin, that's a low dose?
I'm on very low carbs and determined to get the weight off and be healthy.
Maybe I should just see if I can tolerate them
I believe that 10mg of Artovastatin is the equivalent of taking a 20mg dose of Simvastatin.
A
AnnieC
Guest
Yes you should try them there is no need to think you will get side effects more people don't than do that is why thousands still take them@runner2009, now I'm thinking to take them, my bmi is high cholesterol also (though I didn't take in the numbers the doc told me)
She prescribed 10mg of atorvastatin, that's a low dose?
I'm on very low carbs and determined to get the weight off and be healthy.
Maybe I should just see if I can tolerate them
pavlosn
Well-Known Member
As with a lot of things, those that are against statins, have very strong feelings about the subject, perhaps based on negative personal experience with them, perhaps based on negative publicity they have been exposed to, and are usually not shy coming forward.
The many that will happily take statins may not show the same passion in coming forward in support. For them statins are just another medication they have to take in order to hopefully stay healthy, not something they are prepared to go to war about.
The many that will happily take statins may not show the same passion in coming forward in support. For them statins are just another medication they have to take in order to hopefully stay healthy, not something they are prepared to go to war about.
douglas99
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Very true.
I take them, they work for me, I know because I tried them, stopped them, tried a different type, and am happy with the outcome.
So it's purely personal experience, and because it's personal, it can't be translated to any one else.
I take them, they work for me, I know because I tried them, stopped them, tried a different type, and am happy with the outcome.
So it's purely personal experience, and because it's personal, it can't be translated to any one else.
The reason I don't take statins isn't because of scare stories, it's because I don't believe that cholesterol is bad. Statins are known to cause muscle damage in some people and the heart is also a muscle. This is just my opinion and may be over simplistic, but I'm sticking with it.
Daphne917
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I stopped taking statins because they made me feel quite ill and pushed my BG levels up to 7.2 which meant I had to go onto Sitagliptin. When I came off them about a year ago my my hba1c dropped to 40 and I came off the Sitagliptin in August - control by diet only for 3 months and my latest hba1c is 42 and cholesterol down to 4.3. Although the statins dropped my cholesterol to 3 I feel that, for me, the cons far outweighed the pros and both my Dr and DN have agreed that this is the case however I know that many people have no problems with them and it's going to be a choice that each individual has to take.
