Hi, has anyone developed new onset diabetes or prediabetes on atorvastatin? If so how soon did it show up and did changing the statin help at all? Am already on ezetimibe. Seeing GP next week and not sure what I should be asking for. Any advice gratefully received.
Atorvastatin diabetes: Hi, has anyone... - British Heart Fou...
Atorvastatin diabetes
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Heartmum56
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Hello 
I am still taking atorvastatin and have been about 3 years it was when I was taking it about a year and a half to 2 years and there is no history of diabetes un like heart in my family my sugars we fine one day and was like they just shot up
I eat better than ever and was no real reason I could think why this had happened I tried my best to reverse it but it just kept going up and now I am diabetic and struggling taking insulin as meds did not suite me
I mentioned more than once to my Doctor could this be the stain that has caused this and most Doctors I talk to are adamant they don't cause this even though I know research has been done and some believe they can
However I also asked would changing to another statin make a difference and was told now my pancreas just was not getting rid of sugars anymore and medication of some kind was needed
You can only put your concerns to them maybe ask about changing meds along with doing all the right things to get your sugars down what has happened to me I think maybe is the minority not the majority
Others will come along that have reversed their sugars and share their experiences as we are all different and our bodies can react in different ways
Let us know how you get on x
I was pre diabetic prior to being prescribed 80mg Atorvastatin (as well as Ezetimibe) and within a year had developed full blown diabetes. My GP said that stress could have tipped me over the edge into diabetes (I’d had a heart attack). No one has recommended changing my statin.
statins will elevate cholesterol levels
Unfortunately you have to weigh out the risks not taking it
Change if statins can help some patients so its worth trying
"statins will elevate cholesterol levels" I presume this is a typo?
There is some medical evidence that statins will increase the risk of diabetes in some individuals. It doesn't affect everybody just some, like all side effects. I have been taking Atorvastatin for nearly 25 years and although my Hb1Ac levels have slowly risen in recent years, I am still not classed as prediabetic, and the increase I just put down to advancing years. However all side effects should be treated seriously and the balancing of the risk of heart health against type 2 diabetes should be a discussion between you and your GP next week.
All statins increase blood glucose levels for all people that take them, some statins more than others. For people at risk of diabetes this can be problematic. It is worth noting that diabetes is one of the largest risk factos for heart disease by a country mile.
The NHS website lists high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol before diabetes as the major risk factors of heart disease. nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovas...
Diabetes UK have some useful information
There was a 50 year gap between medical science proving that smoking is harmful for health, and western medical guidelines reflecting that fact.
It can often be helpful to look beyond NHS information for things that are more up to date, especially on contentious issues.
Sometimes that may lead to a person to seek out research that supports their prejudices ?
Yes, and also get into the realms of speculation rather than cause and effect. Nobody can know what might have happened in a parallel universe. I'm sure if I'd had a HA in late 2020 instead of late 2019, I'd be wondering if Covid caused it.
Sadly I find that the information provided on the NHS website is usually fairly basic and general, a starting point for further research rather than anything more. I don’t get the impression from the NHS website information for heart disease that the risk factors were being presented in any particular order of priority. It would seem reasonable to assume that certain factors might apply more to some individuals than others depending on circumstances.
There is some evidence that Statins may elevate the risk of developing T2, but this is mainly in people who are not adopting the diet and exercise regimes recommended for people with CHD. You maybe need to focus on diet and exercise if not already doing so and don't worry about this minimal risk, which is far outweighed by the long term benefits of being on it.
Yes doing diet and exercise but HbA1c still going up and have developed foamy urine so beginning to worry
Among the anti-Statin videos YouTube have been pushing at me was one from the Mayo Clinic defending the widespread use of Statins. Unfortunately, the best he could come up with is that Statins will only be beneficial if taken in conjunction with Diet and Lifestyle changes. Bit like saying they only work if you don't need them 
I'm still trying to find a reason other than "People who are cleverer than you (and have vested interests) say you should do it".
I saw a report this week that a major study has confirmed the link between Statins and Diabetes. I'm sure it was just Fake News...
Personally, I steer clear of anything from the US. The place is one of the most corrupt countries in the world with an awful lot of politicians in the pocket of corporates as well as no doubt some medics. Why do you think the ridiculous gun laws never get repealed despite the awful massacres that occur on a regular basis? There are plenty of reliable sources from both here and Europe obviously including the NHS and BHF, both of whom endorse the use of Statins very robustly, there is plenty of information about Statins on the Internet from both those two, probably shouldn't be resorting to Youtube for Medical information to be honest. There is a slight link between Statins and Diabetes, but the possible risk is dwarfed by the benefits, particularly if the proper lifestyle changes are made alongside taking Statins. Unless you want to go down the route of the very small minority who advocate things like Keto and high fat diets and dismiss cholesterol as the problem, you don't have many or any other options, certainly not that the NHS and vast majority of Doctors and Consultants would recommend. Diet and/or exercise alone will not lower Cholesterol, trust me I have tried it, despite what you might hear or read from some sources. If you do not get Cholesterol from food your liver will just make more, hence the need for Statins. of course if you do not accept the view that (bad) Cholesterol is responsible for plaque formation then you are free to take the risk if you so choose. At the end of the day they won't guarantee you won't have a cardiac event, far from it, but it's not a chance I'd take personally, despite having various side effects myself.
Please, do not confuse the US CDC with the crazy NRA. 🙄
From their site cdc.gov/diabetes/library/fe...
"Can Statins Increase Blood Sugar?
Some research has found that using statins increases blood sugar because statin use can stop your body’s insulin from doing its job properly. This can put people who use statins at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Despite the risk, statin use is still recommended for many people with and without diabetes who have high blood cholesterol. This is because even though there are risks with taking this medicine, there are greater potential risks if you don’t take them, like having a heart attack or stroke. Remember everyone is different. It’s always best to talk to your doctor about your individual risks and benefits of taking statins. "
Yes, and remember it's only bad and violent people who have guns in the UK. Maybe some of them have problematic cholesterol too, but no link has ever been proved. I expect research is ongoing.
Well said xxx
I've been taking Atorvastatin for over 10 years with no indication of diabetes.I have at least 4 blood tests a year due to other meds I take and other medical conditions.
Since taking stating I have developed to T2 despite dropping all the sugar and carbs I can. I'm not overweight and do exercise daily.I've asked a few doctors and pharmacists about this and I am still waiting for a reply ............
Hi, I had a HA in 2019, I had been a diet controlled Diabetic for quite a few years, family genetic, I am not overweight. I tried statins but stopped as they made me so ill. I developed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome from that that cannot be mentioned on this site. According to FOI there are 15 cases from this cause, I am one of them. My blood sugar went crazy and I am now Insulin dependent. I would add that I have to pay to see my Endocrinologist, I got no help from the NHS. I phoned my Gp and said my blood sugar level was 29.5, this is coma level and was told to eat less carbs and they put the phone down!
Having been put on Atorvastatin after my HA in 2018, I became pre diabetic within 18 months, and tipped over into T2 another 18 months after that. Switching to Rosuvastatin has not helped, but my Hba1c is stuck at 49.
Yes, and quite a few friends who have very healthy lifestyles. If you Google it you will find quite a few research articles pointing out that statins can raise blood sugar by up to 5%. Yes I know lifestyle choices are the main culprit, but still, an e tra few %s put many into the prediabetic range (or worse)
Doctors will never usually at it to anything having a negative effect. I had a nasal issue and was prescribed a steroid nasal spray 200mg twice a day. My GP just repeat prescribes and never really checks on you so I was on it too long.
I went for an eye test and the optician said I had a cataract, however it was developing very fast. I was going every six months and my prescription was going up six stages in between visits ! In the end I had a cataract op and it’s fine. Cataract was a real pain and I virtually gave up driving. I was legal to drive but only with glasses. Driving at night was impossible due to the glare.
During all this I happened to read the leaflet in the steroid box. One side effect was fast growing cataract ! So four opticians, one eye hospital consultant, and three private eye consultants all said it was due to the steroids and the high dosage. I write to the go surgery manager to complain and they quote a 12 year paper that says no it doesn’t! Personally I trust an eye consultant more than a general practice doctor.
So never look to a GP to admit any med is having a negative effect.
, nfortunately all statins raise blood sugar levels, atorstatin, being one of the worst i am on pravastatin which doesn't rise blood as much
Hi, I was on atorvastatin and for 1 year, at my annual check up I had an HBA1C blood check and was told I was pre diabetic..I was so shocked and upset, I'd read on here about it raising blood sugar, I spoke to a pharmacist at my surgery and they changed me to pravastatin, I get another HBA1C next month to see if it's helped, definitely worth you speaking to your gp..I'll keep everyone informed of my results once I have them, good luck, Margaret
Hello. Sorry to hear how Atorvastatin is cause sugar levels problems for some of you. It seems really unfair how GPS can be so unhelpful at times and don't like changing medication or dose to try and help. Although I can bet that some people may have GPS that do and can be very helpful. I have been prescribed this drug 80 mgs along with all the usual cocktail of drugs, blood thinners Aspirin and acid reducing tablets. Since starting all these meds I have had continuous diarrhoea very bad each day ongoing now for over 3 months. I have had stool test which all came back negative, plus chest, abdomen and pelvis CT scan which I am awaiting results. I have never ever had any stomach or bowel issues in my life before starting medication of this kind. My GP says they have never known satins to cause diarrhea or any blood sugar issues. When doing my own research these satins do cause these types of issues so surly they must be well aware of these problems and guessing they don't want to risk taking you of satins for avoiding other health issues. I think we just need to keep insisting we need a change of dose levels or a change of satin. Had anyone else had stomach issues with Atorvastatin at 80 mg. Would really appreciate any advice from anyone on this great site. Thank you
Update on my statin journey. So, I had to wait 3 months to get my next HBA1C, the result came back the same as before, I was actually relieved it hadn't gone up....but unfortunately I've been getting bad calf cramps on exercising (treadmill) and then just on regular walking so I had to speak to my pharmacist at my surgery, she said to stop the pravastatin for a couple of weeks...I've been off for 5 days and the cramps have gone, she said I'll have to go back to Atorvastatin but as my blood sugars are the same and I'm maintaining it with exercise and diet, it'll be fine. So, thats it, back to Atorvastatin for me and hopefully no more problems 🤞🤞
Hi Heartmum, I had heart attack Nstemi and stent in a smaller artery at back of heart October last year. At the time my HBA1c was 42 and then 4 months later it’s gone to 43 and I’m now pre diabetic. I’ve been so good with food since the heart attack and been going on 45 min walks every day, so I couldn’t understand why I’m now pre diabetic. I’ve been invited on to prevention programme according to NHS app but haven’t received any invite yet. I asked GP about statins and diabetes and he seemed to agree that they can increase the risk but he also put it down to stress I’d had a heart attack. I see someone else on this thread has been told this too! I’m going to ask I think if I can change statins. Also my sleep was never good but now it’s terrible. GP I spoke to on phone really wasn’t interested 😡 My mum has type 2 diabetes so it’s in family, also my dad had heart disease.
I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic in Dec 2019, 3 months before you-know-what descended, so my GP has never suggested any courses, in fact my GP has been decidedly useless, but I've just signed up (self-referral) to a one day DESMOND course run by the NHS. Google local DESMOND course and see if there's anything near you.
Thank you, but unfortunately nothing in my area. I’ll chase up GP surgery.
just to add to all these comments.
I went on statins a few years ago and there’s no difference in my sugar levels.
Hi Heartmum56, I'm a bit late for this thread but I did find myself being advised by my GP that I was pre-diabetic. This followed on from by Bypass September 2022.
I personally rightly or wrongly have always been sceptical re the purported benefits of statin therapy. However, I stuck with my daily dose of Atorvastatin + all the other medication 💊 you are given post op.
I stuck Atorvastatin for four months 😫 as I reasoned that my grafts would be less likely to have a build up of plaque caused by Cholesterol during the healing process. That's roughly when a blood test result surfaced confirming I was pre-diabetic.
In short though 72years at the time I've always had BMI of around 22 non smoker, tennis 🎾 three times a week, no family history of diabetes. So being informed that I was pre-diabetic came as a bit of a shock.
I found myself wracking my brains as too how I could avoid becoming a type 2 diabetic. I ate healthy, no sugar,no sweets no cake, pretty much a Mediterranean diet etc.
In short I stopped ✋️ taking the Atorvastatin and my next blood test showed I'd dropped out-of the danger zone and I'm no longer pre-diabetic.
Hope you find a solution to your problem as being told your pre-diabetic is pretty scary.
Best wishes,
Denis
hello,
There is supposed to be a link between taking Artovastatin and diabetes. Check the pt information leaflet, it tells you. Not sure why G.P, is saying otherwise.
I had the same conversation with mine,,because my blood sugars had rocketed to pre diabetic. I am not on that kind of statin now. Blood sugars are holding out.
Please research Professor Sultan and Dr Kendrick, high cholesterol is not a heart risk. The problem is lifestyle and diet and you can develop inflammation in your coronary arteries. This can be shown in a Cholesterol test for part B in the lipoprotein of your L.D.L. which must doctors do not understand. If you have no part B in your L.D.L. you have no heart risk. The Japanese have the highest cholesterol readings in the world but the lowest incidence of Heart and Stroke events, this is sadly hidden by the medical fraternity. Dr Aseem Malhotra from the N.H.S. can be viewed on YouTube on the failure of Statins.
I was diagnosed with pre diabetes last year- 3 years post HA and from the time starting atorvastatin and the rest of the lovely heart meds. I was referred to a diabetes nurse who told me it was probably due to the shock. The local council have a Be Well service so I went on a 12 week nutrition course at the local gym and had 12 weeks free gym membership. At the same time I was referred by my GP to a NHS diabetes class which lasts 10 months and finishes next month. I have also been following the Michael Mosley blood sugar diet. I’ve lost 21 pounds and am hoping that this will reflect in my next set of blood tests. Speak to your GP nurse to see what they can recommend or check google to see what is available in your area. Good luck and don’t stress about it. X
I was put on a statin at the end of January and by the end of March I was diagnosed with diabetes. I was checked several times in hospital and told blood sugars were fine though I have been told I’m prediabetic. The diabetes nurse said my numbers were around 40 the last ones they had on GP system and shot up to 68 so definitely seems to be the statin. There are studies to suggest this.
I’m surprised more people aren’t against them here as you can’t mention them in the thyroid group without being warned against them - though NHS website says you shouldn’t be given them if you’re hypothyroid. I’d give Statin Nation a watch - the whole one hour documentary is free on YouTube.
So did they take you off it?
No, they didn’t take it off me.
I wasn’t aware about not taking statins with hypothyroid (hasimotos thyroid too). I’ll need to look it up now . Thanks for the info
No worries. That’s what the NHS website says anyway. I haven’t looked into it any further than that.
Yes i have stopped taking it last July. Im now taking forxiga this flushes blood sugar out in your urine and improves heart failure. Blood sugar level and cholesterol levels now normal.
Oh and i now have a live dysfunction thanks atorvastatin.
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