Retinopathy and statins

[Dibbs]

Hi
I have been a type 1 diabetic for 36 years (diagnosed age 10) and have had retinopathy for a number of years although only been monitored as have had background changes and never had any treatment. I have recently improved my Hba1c from 8.7% (been around this level for years) to 6.9% after self funding the libre freestyle blood monitor. However, I now have maculopathy and am considering taking statins if they help with this, my cholesterol is fine but was told diabetics over 40 should take them and I was prescribed them by my doctor but I have never actually taken them as I didn’t see the point, but have now read that they can help with eye problems in diabetics. Does anyone have any advice on taking them and if it’s worth adding them to my daily routine? Thank you for any help.

 

[grovesy]

That is something you should be talking to your Doctors about.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Dibbs

I think the general guidance for all T1s over 40 to take a statin was based on data that shows an increased risk of heart attack, stroke etc, and it is felt that whatever your cholesterol level, there is benefit to be found.

Different members have had different experiences of statins. Many take them without problems, but some have had difficulties, or don’t fancy them for a variety of reasons.

I’ve never heard of an association between statins and eye health, so that is interesting.

My understanding was that keeping BG levels as even and in range as possible, and controlling blood pressure were the usual advice for people with background changes to their eyes.

We have several members whose background retinopathy has been stable for years, and others who have background changes spotted which have then disappeared with improved BG management.

 

[Eddy Edson]

Hi
I have been a type 1 diabetic for 36 years (diagnosed age 10) and have had retinopathy for a number of years although only been monitored as have had background changes and never had any treatment. I have recently improved my Hba1c from 8.7% (been around this level for years) to 6.9% after self funding the libre freestyle blood monitor. However, I now have maculopathy and am considering taking statins if they help with this, my cholesterol is fine but was told diabetics over 40 should take them and I was prescribed them by my doctor but I have never actually taken them as I didn’t see the point, but have now read that they can help with eye problems in diabetics. Does anyone have any advice on taking them and if it’s worth adding them to my daily routine? Thank you for any help.

Talk with your doc. Nobody here is qualified to have a useful opinion about this.

 

[Dibbs]

Welcome to the forum @Dibbs

I think the general guidance for all T1s over 40 to take a statin was based on data that shows an increased risk of heart attack, stroke etc, and it is felt that whatever your cholesterol level, there is benefit to be found.

Different members have had different experiences of statins. Many take them without problems, but some have had difficulties, or don’t fancy them for a variety of reasons.

I’ve never heard of an association between statins and eye health, so that is interesting.

My understanding was that keeping BG levels as even and in range as possible, and controlling blood pressure were the usual advice for people with background changes to their eyes.

We have several members whose background retinopathy has been stable for years, and others who have background changes spotted which have then disappeared with improved BG management.

Thank you for your reply, improving my Hba1c has negatively impacted on my immediate eye health although I understand that long term the better Hba1c will stop the deterioration progressing as fast so is good for future health of my eyes. I spoke to my diabetic nurse and she thinks statins will be a good thing to help reduce retinopathy and so I think I will start taking them. I have resisted for 6 years as my cholesterol was good so didn’t see the benefit but now I have a reason to take them so I suppose I should, don’t know why they scare me so much? I have been shaken up by my eyes deteriorating as I can notice the change in them and reading about diabetics going blind is freaking me out! I have not been offered treatment for the maculopathy but am on increased review (every 6 months) but have been on this for years!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hope they work well for you, and that your eye health improves 🙂

 

[Spozkins]

It's really interesting actually. I've had the diabetes for 30 years and had fairly stable retinopathy (but with treatment twice) with similar hba1c to yourself. After attending DAFNE and using the libre my BG has also come down although still not where I'd like it to be and my eye health has also become a little worse.

I do wonder if the change in levels has been a shock to the system as I've always heard that with retinopathy quick changes in hba1c can be problematic but if I'm being honest nobody has ever told me how quick is too quick and what is reasonable.

On the note of statins though my diabetes clinic also want me to take them but mentioned that because they can affect fertility in women it was worth doing my own research. I'm reluctant to take them as I feel it's like swapping one health problem for another (I seem to have the potluck of health problems).

I would do a bit of research and see how you feel. I suppose the benefit is that just because you're 40 doesn't mean you cant take them at a later date still.

Best of luck though and congrats on improving your BG

 

[Flower]

Hi @Dibbs and welcome

This information is useful on retinopathy/maculopathy , if you scroll down there's information on the effect of a sudden decrease in HbA1c and cholesterol levels. There is a link to a European Journal of Ophthalmology (EJO) review on the use of statins and reduced incidence of retinopathy.

Domain parking page

www.diabeticretinopathy.org.uk

I've had maximum treatment for sight threatening retinopathy and was advised to take statins at a youngish age despite not having high cholesterol but although I tried a few different tablets they really didn't agree with me so I had to stop them.

Wishing you well, congratulations on your blood glucose reduction and I hope that things settle down for your eyes.

 

[Dibbs]

It's really interesting actually. I've had the diabetes for 30 years and had fairly stable retinopathy (but with treatment twice) with similar hba1c to yourself. After attending DAFNE and using the libre my BG has also come down although still not where I'd like it to be and my eye health has also become a little worse.

I do wonder if the change in levels has been a shock to the system as I've always heard that with retinopathy quick changes in hba1c can be problematic but if I'm being honest nobody has ever told me how quick is too quick and what is reasonable.

On the note of statins though my diabetes clinic also want me to take them but mentioned that because they can affect fertility in women it was worth doing my own research. I'm reluctant to take them as I feel it's like swapping one health problem for another (I seem to have the potluck of health problems).

I would do a bit of research and see how you feel. I suppose the benefit is that just because you're 40 doesn't mean you cant take them at a later date still.

Best of luck though and congrats on improving your BG

When I spoke to my diabetic nurse she said that some people will be more tolerant than others if Hba1c reduces quickly, so I guess it’s not an exact science. I have my 2 children already and they are 19yrs and 15yrs now so definitely not planing on having any more therefore the fertility reduction is not a problem for me. I think I am going to try them and hopefully they will be fine. I did the DAFNE course years ago and found it great but only started using Libre about 6 months ago and I really wish I had known about it a long time ago, I finally feel in control! What has your Hba1c come down to? I’m not sure what is achievable as I do not have a pump. Thanks for your reply, I have never really discussed my diabetes with others apart from when I did the DAFNE course so it’s great to hear from others who understand.

 

[Dibbs]

Hi @Dibbs and welcome

This information is useful on retinopathy/maculopathy , if you scroll down there's information on the effect of a sudden decrease in HbA1c and cholesterol levels. There is a link to a European Journal of Ophthalmology (EJO) review on the use of statins and reduced incidence of retinopathy.

Domain parking page

www.diabeticretinopathy.org.uk

I've had maximum treatment for sight threatening retinopathy and was advised to take statins at a youngish age despite not having high cholesterol but although I tried a few different tablets they really didn't agree with me so I had to stop them.

Wishing you well, congratulations on your blood glucose reduction and I hope that things settle down for your eyes.

Thank you for your reply, the information is really helpful. It’s a shame the statins did not work out for you, hopefully I will be ok with them but I guess all I can do is try.

 

[nonethewiser]

Hi
I have been a type 1 diabetic for 36 years (diagnosed age 10) and have had retinopathy for a number of years although only been monitored as have had background changes and never had any treatment. I have recently improved my Hba1c from 8.7% (been around this level for years) to 6.9% after self funding the libre freestyle blood monitor. However, I now have maculopathy and am considering taking statins if they help with this, my cholesterol is fine but was told diabetics over 40 should take them and I was prescribed them by my doctor but I have never actually taken them as I didn’t see the point, but have now read that they can help with eye problems in diabetics. Does anyone have any advice on taking them and if it’s worth adding them to my daily routine? Thank you for any help.

Well if statins help with eye problems more reason to take them.. Read article last year saying they have other health benefits besides lowering cholesterol, saved it at time but since deleted it & other favs when changing laptop.

Been on statin since last July, cholesterol good at 4.3 with ratio's in line, consultant said they help stabilise plaque so can prevent cardio events, not had any side effects so far & feel much safer taking one.

 

[Dibbs]

Well if statins help with eye problems more reason to take them.. Read article last year saying they have other health benefits besides lowering cholesterol, saved it at time but since deleted it & other favs when changing laptop.

Been on statin since last July, cholesterol good at 4.3 with ratio's in line, consultant said they help stabilise plaque so can prevent cardio events, not had any side effects so far & feel much safer taking one.

Great to hear that you have taken them with no problems. Think this is the right thing for me to do, fingers crossed they are ok.

 

[Spozkins]

When I spoke to my diabetic nurse she said that some people will be more tolerant than others if Hba1c reduces quickly, so I guess it’s not an exact science. I have my 2 children already and they are 19yrs and 15yrs now so definitely not planing on having any more therefore the fertility reduction is not a problem for me. I think I am going to try them and hopefully they will be fine. I did the DAFNE course years ago and found it great but only started using Libre about 6 months ago and I really wish I had known about it a long time ago, I finally feel in control! What has your Hba1c come down to? I’m not sure what is achievable as I do not have a pump. Thanks for your reply, I have never really discussed my diabetes with others apart from when I did the DAFNE course so it’s great to hear from others who understand.

Yes I feel this way about Libre and the DAFNE course - if only I'd had both when much younger but not sure how helpful this line if thinking is! My hba1c was told to me over the phone by the GP and annoyingly I cant remember the exact number but its come down from 8.6 last year.

If you feel that taking the statins is the right call for you then I really hope they do the trick for you. Please do let us know how you get on though as I think it's a decision many of us might be facing at some point.

 

[trophywench]

Not for another 10 years for you @Spozkins - 🙂 - the first day you see your GP after you turn 40! You won't be at risk of dropping dead tomorrow with CVD whereas you will as soon as you hit 40. 😉

 

[Spozkins]

Not for another 10 years for you @Spozkins - 🙂 - the first day you see your GP after you turn 40! You won't be at risk of dropping dead tomorrow with CVD whereas you will as soon as you hit 40. 😉

They've been trying to give me the statins since my early 20s! I honestly thought I wouldn't hit the 30 so if I make it to 40 and they want to give me statins I'll be having a party

 

[KARNAK]

Last time I took Statins the autopsy said he needs burying in a lead coffin, never again.