ARE STATINS MAKING ME DIABETIC

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Hi All

I have just got myself to the stage of being able to tolerate a higher dose of statins from 20g to 40g

However at night I have such a dry mouth that I am drinking all night , this only happens at night is this a sign of the onset of diabetes, I also find that my feet hurt which was not the case on the lower dose.

My LDL was 1.4 its 0.8 on the higher dose , which is not that different and my cholesterol was 2.9 and its down to 2.3 on the higher dose , so not much difference by doubling the dose.

However my cardiologist tells me all the research to halt the progression is based on the 40g dose.

[JeremiahObadiah]

Someone might be along who has specific knowledge on this. I don’t.

However, it would be a simple test at your Gp to find out what’s going on-in your shoes I would explain my concern to the receptionist and request a diabetes test.

[Hatchjd]

I have 2 stents following an NSTEMI in 2019 and was told in August that my LDH needed to be <1.4 and my Cholesterol <2.8, which you are already!!

My Rosuvastatin was increased from 5mg to 10mg in August as my LDH was 1.9 and my Cholesterol was 3.8. I cut out red meat totally, ate fish and chicken, veg etc. Switched to Benecol spread, almost eliminated, fats, cheese, and other dairy products, and lost 8 lbs in weight.

I returned to my GP in December as the skin on the tops of my feet and shins were burning at night and I had to sleep with them uncovered, My repeat cholesterol was 4.1...higher!! and LDH was still 1.9. I was advised to reduce back to 5mg of Rosuvastatin to see if the symptoms reduced, which they have, and I am to trial Ezetimibe along with the lower dose of Rosuvastatin to see if that is more effective.

[MountainGoat52 in reply to Hatchjd]

I find it strange that there is no standard for a post-STEMI cholesterol target figure. I have never been told I should get my cholesterol down to the level that you have been told. My base level (no meds) is 4.4 and with 10mg of Rosuvastatin this now sits at 3.7 with LDL at 1.7. All of the clinicians I have been referred to are happy with these figures and there has been no push to get me lower.

I have not had any adverse symptoms with 10mg of Rosuvastatin and I am very sensitive to many medications, including statins.... Rosuvastatin is my fourth variety! It seems you are more sensitive than I am. 😀 Ezetimibe might be the way forward as it enhances the effect of statins. My GP prescribed it for me when I was unable to tolerate the three statins he had prescribed, but on its own it did nothing which stands to reason as it had nothing to work with. However I know of several people that are on Ezetimibe alone without any statin which I find bizarre.

Hopefully your problems will get sorted soon. All the best,

Gerald

[Goldiocks]

Hi I had a stemi Sept 2022 and after 4 months on statins was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. I did a google search and discovered the US sites are saying statins can cause a raise in blood sugars, however UK sites don't mention it. I had the results following a full fasting blood test by my GP. You should as your GP for this test. I immediately went on a low carb diet and cut out all sugars. I expect to be tested again in 3 months time.

[Wellington19]

I am afraid you are right, since my simvastatin was increased i have become prediabetec , nurse at John RATCLIFFE hospital told me it was because of the statins, gps got me enrolled on diabetes prevention course

[TeresaMay]

Thank you for this posting. I have only recently been told I am diabetic having taken statins for years. I will follow diabetic advice more rigorously.

[fishonabike]

There is plenty of info available on the effect of statins on blood sugar levels, your cardiologist should be aware of this and you should discus your concerns with your cardiology team and/or GP

[AlfredV]

Statins raise blood sugar levels. Whether this is a problem depends very much upon the individual. Some statins are worse than others when it comes to this. That said, there are many things that can result in a dry mouth. I'd recommend seeing your GP with a view to having blood tests to check to see if you do have blood glucose levels that are too high, and take things from there.

[Dj1962]

Hi..I've got the same problem, I've been on 80mg for the last 3 years, and now im just below the prediabetic level..and like you I wake up with a dry mouth..and I have been told that statins are responsible...

[LaceyLady]

I hate statins! Nit in them, don’t need them. Cause all manner of side effects. My exnurse friend who’s been on them is warming herself off

[Cibbs in reply to LaceyLady]

I find this response refreshing, I'm convinced there are other ways round this. All the problems asociated with statins just dont appeal to me. How is your nursey friend getting on?

[LaceyLady in reply to Cibbs]

OMG I should read postings before pressing send 🤣

[LaceyLady in reply to Cibbs]

Not sure, she’s probably well off them now, I’ll have to ask. She had a heart attack as a result of miss managed delivery of her child years ago! My diabetes nurse said she had to offer them to me even though my score was low!!! £££££££