Change of Statin?

[Caroline36]

Hi everyone,

I'm wondering if anyone has had the same or similar experience to me and can share their knowledge.

I had a stent fitted over a year ago after a heart attack when I was 43 and was prescribed the usual drugs including Atorvastatin. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 5 months ago. I have got my Hba1c down from 70 to 45 without additional medication. Is it likely that the Atorvastatin caused the diabetes and if so, could it be continuing to do damage and should I be asking for a different statin?

Thank you

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

I'm been looking at this question for a while.

After my heart attack the blood tests came back saying I was type 2 diabetic.

My GP prescribed Metformin, I questioned this as the NHS website mentions a conflict with someone taking Metformin which also taking Atorvastatin, but the diabetics nurse came back saying the GP said it was OK.

I've changed my diet completely, lost 40 lbs in weight, and while my Hbac1 is coming down, it is at a rate which is disappointing slow.

I'm still looking at this and still researching, my next Hbac1 test is due in Feb 2020, if it's not down to a good level by then I think I'm going have to have a serious talk to the nurse/GP as to why it is so resistant to improvement. My original reading in January was 69, at the end of June it was down to 55

The link below relates to one of the many articles about a possible links between statins and diabetics.

diabetes.co.uk/news/2017/oc...

[Caroline36 in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Thank you and well done on what you've achieved so far! I hope you get your reading to where you want it.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

That statins cause diabetes is an internet rumour. Basically if someone is pre-diabetic statins will bring out the diabetes slightly earlier. You seem to be doing well managing your diabetes so if your LFT (liver function tests) are clear carry on as you are. The Atorvastatin besides lowering your cholesterol will reduce irritation, often a precursor to plaque formation, and stabilise any already present.

I have been Type I for over half-a-century and was on the committee of a support group, for Type Is and Type IIs, for over a decade.

[Caroline36 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for your advice. I didn't know about the reduction of irritation so that's really helpful.

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi Caroline. There is a link for some people between Statins and Type 2 diabetes. The Statins lower insulin secretion and that can make blood sugar go up. I went up into pre diabetes territory (where you are now) when I started taking statins. But I think I was falling into the trap of taking on board a lot of hidden sugar in orange juice/honey/fruit. I tackled my diet and am now down below 40 (as you nearly are) through dietary changes. Given you’ve made such a tremendous dent in your Hbac1 while you’ve been on Atorvastatin I’d continue as you are as long as everything else is OK.

[Caroline36]

Thank you, it's so useful to hear from people in the same boat. Thanks for your reassurance, you've made me feel a lot better

[lilymeg]

I have been taking atorvastin (Lipitor) for over 20 years without any ill effects.

[Lezzers in reply to lilymeg]

My husband has been taking atorvastatin for 15+ years, he's had no problems either. He has regular blood tests.

[ExC_Andrew]

Statins can cause liver damage among other things. There are many reports from doctors and patients curing their diabetes naturally. Fortunately you can still find out about this information from the internet. For example check out Dr Jason Fung on YouTube, or just Google diabetes cure.