The Diabetes Dilemma for Statin Users

[Northerner]

We?re overdosing on cholesterol-lowering statins, and the consequence could be a sharp increase in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes.

This past week, the Food and Drug Administration raised questions about the side effects of these drugs and developed new labels for these medications that will now warn of the risk of diabetes and memory loss. The announcement said the risk was ?small? and should not materially affect the use of these medications. The data are somewhat ambiguous for memory loss. But the magnitude of the problem for diabetes becomes much more apparent with careful examination of the data from large clinical trials.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/05/opinion/the-diabetes-dilemma-for-statin-users.html?_r=1

 

[trophywench]

I know ... I was delighted ! My problem was memory loss to the degree it made me honestly think I had flipping Alzheimer's. I was only on two things apart from insulin - BP tabs and statins. So I just decided off me own bat to try a month without one of them. If no joy, I'd take em again and try ditching the other. I had a full month's supply of BP tabs, so I ditched the statins first off. Within 10 days I could tell I was getting better and by 3 weeks and everything back where it should be - I knew for definite.

And everybody (GP, diabetes clinic) laughed at me except then I started googling it but that of course is only hearsay.

This from the FDA isn't.

I've printed it out for my GP and my consultant.

EXONERATED !

 

[Robster65]

Trouble is, there's an awful lot of hearsay and vested interests, and it's only by doing clinical trials that the reality can be established.

Now there is some data to show correlations, the NHS and GPs can start to listen more intently. If someone goes in and says statins have caused them to smell of cheese, the GP can't take it seriously unless there's some data to suggest a link.

I don't blame them for not being more receptive since they must hear a lot of things blamed on statins.

But now we know, we can make more informed decisions and I'm pleased it's backed up your findings.🙂

I thought they were making me weary but after a couple of breaks from them, I think it was just being unfit. 😱

Rob

 

[trophywench]

Well my GP wanted me to try an different brand and I did agree, but I only took one and tthe next night I actually sat and cried when I took it - in case it harmed me again - so the next day I didn't do it. And I never have since.

One of the D clinic 'sidekick' Drs can't remember my name, but always remembers I'm 'The Statin Lady' LOL

 

[Robster65]

Well my GP wanted me to try an different brand and I did agree, but I only took one and tthe next night I actually sat and cried when I took it - in case it harmed me again - so the next day I didn't do it. And I never have since.

One of the D clinic 'sidekick' Drs can't remember my name, but always remembers I'm 'The Statin Lady' LOL

It's good to have a reputation.

Rob

 

[trophywench]

I'd still sooner be the Black Country wench with the glint in her eye and the wicked sense of humour, thanks Rob!

 

[cherrypie]

As there is a risk that statins can induce diabetes, wouldn't if follow that they could upset the blood glucose numbers of established diabetics who are taking them? Just a thought.