Long term statin use may cause diabetes – says new study on cholesterol watch

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Cholesterol Watch - Statins May Cause Diabetes Conclusion
No research has yet been conducted to find out why statins may lead to diabetes. Diabetes is already on the rise the world over. Its long term complications can greatly affect the quality of life of a diabetic. Moreover, it is a disease which needs constant management which most people find very difficult.

Is it possible that consumers often feel emboldened to eat cholesterol raising high fat foods, red meats etc. inspite of having been diagnosed with high cholesterol because they feel their medication will take care of the cholesterol, and they need not be as vigilant?

One of the direct causes of high serum cholesterol is the consumption of foods high in cholesterol. If patients were to not only watch their diets but also simultaneously increase their physical activity, quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption, there is a greater chance that they can not only reduce the dosage of statins needed, but also avoid medication altogether. This in turn will cut down their risk of developing diabetes.

Consumers of statins were probably not even aware of this risk for developing diabetes on statins until the FDA warning brought it to light.

Yet, "The value of statins in preventing heart disease has been clearly established," says Dr. Amy G. Egan, deputy director for safety in the F.D.A.’s division of metabolism and endocrinology products. "Their benefit is indisputable, but they need to be taken with care and knowledge of their side effects."

So, to all statin users discuss your personal case – (ask if increased physical activity will benefit you) with your primary care physician to chart the best course of treatment for your long term health.

By Poonam Vaswani
Senior Dietitian Nutritionvista.com

NutritionVista

User Comments

14 March, 2012 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

Statins were once thought to be relatively safe and prescribed widely for their cholesterol lowering ability. Now the side effects of Statins wary from just annoying muscle cramps to liver problems and now type 2 Diabetes and cancer.
It makes more sense to reduce cholesterol (LDL & VLDL)in our diet instead of medication and suffering from other kinds of problems. Simple changes like-
# Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole-grains, which are high in fiber, low in fat and naturally cholesterol-free.
# Keeping total fat intake between 25 and 35 percent of your daily calories, with most fats coming from sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as fish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.
# Using naturally occurring, unhydrogenated vegetable oils such as canola, safflower, sunflower or olive oil, often.
# Selecting processed foods made with unhydrogenated oil rather than partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated vegetable oils or saturated fat.
# Selecting foods with "0 g trans fat" on the Nutrition Facts label.
# Reducing consumption of foods like french fries, doughnuts, cookies, crackers, muffins, pies and cakes that are high in trans fat and saturated fats.
# Regularly exercising and being active the whole day.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!

14 March, 2012 | Samantha | Reply

Many Cardiologists are of the opinion that the only people who should be on a statin drug are middle-aged males with coronary artery disease as, for these patients, the benefits outweigh the potential risks—that is -their anti-inflammatory and blood thinning properties and not for its cholesterol lowering ability.
They are totally against statin drugs for cholesterol lowering in younger to middle-aged women as risks far outweigh the benefits.

14 March, 2012 | Poonam | Reply

Statins are one of the most widely prescribed drugs worldwide. While they may play an imprtant role in the treatment of high risk cases, lifestyle modifications can never be emphasised enough as a means of preventing heart disease .Drugs must never be used to replace good lifestyle choices.

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Tags: Cardiovascular Disease, Cholesterol, Chronic Lifestyle Diseases, Diabetes, Diabetes Management, Diabetes Prevention, Fats, Heart Health, Obesity / Weight Loss, Pre-Diabetes, Renal Diseases, Type 1 Diabetes - Juvenile Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes - Insulin Dependent Diabetes

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