I had a cardiac arrest in 2017 in A&E waiting room. I was treated successfully and had the blockage cleared but no stent was inserted due to the artery being to narrow for a stent. Almost 4 years on I have now been told I am pre diabetic. I have come across some statements on Google suggesting that some heart medication can cause diabetes (statins, Ramapril & Bisoparol). It time of my heart event I showed no signs of diabetes now i am. Has anyone else had issues with diabetes after taking heart medication?. Any feedback appreciated.
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martigt2
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I'm not aware of statins, Ramipril, nor Bisoprolol causing diabetes. Do have a link for where you read this assertion, is it a reputable source or just more internet gibberish?
What is unfortunately a fact is that many of the underlying causes of heart disease are also triggers for type two diabetes, ie obesity, lack of exercise, carrying excess weight around the waist where it's liable to lay a blanket of internal fat around vital organs, etc, etc.
That's the reason, not medication, why it's so common for heart disease sufferers to also be afflicted with T2 diabetes.
The criteria in this country before you're diagnosed with T2 diabetes are pretty high. That's a mixed blessing, sure it spares a lot of people anxiety, but it also denies those people a chance to implement the life style changes that can reverse T2 diabetes, especially if caught relatively early.
Anyone with a heart condition is supposed to have an annual review with their GP or a specialist practise nurse. Part of that review is a range of blood tests that will include an HbA1c test. That test is a measure of insulin resistance, an important check that shows if you're pre-diabetic and on the road to full blown T2 diabetes.
The good news is that you can do something to help yourself if you find yourself with a high or growing HbA1c score.
Following a bypass operation my blood tests showed I was borderline for insulin resistance, and the scores were on an upward track. Getting my weight back to a healthy level, exercising seriously and regularly, a healthy Mediterranean diet, plus all my normal heart medications, have got my HbA1c scores comfortably back into the safe zone.
There's every chance that if you really commit to serious life style changes you'll be able to do the same. But blaming your medication is just a waste of time, the solution to your pre-diabetes is really with your lifestyle rather than your prescription.
While Ramipril reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by around 30% , statins increase blood sugar and can raise the chance of getting type 2 diabetes by around 9% , beta blockers increase triglyceride levels and increase the risk of developing type two diabetes particularly in susceptible individuals . Some are worse than others .
"A number of medications have side effects which include the raising of blood glucose levels. Drug induced diabetes is when use of a specific medication has lead to the development of diabetes.".
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