Diabetes Concerns With Statins, Should You Stop The Treatment?

By Charles Woo


Statin drugs have been on the market for many years. These drugs are used to decrease blood cholesterol levels. There are currently seven statins on the market that are commonly prescribed. This class of medications has been among the most prescribed medications in U.S history.

Folks with high cholesterol could suffer a heart attack or stroke. Since their introduction, the disputes around usage of statins have not stopped.

Limited number of studies has suggested that consuming statins could affect blood sugar level and perhaps cause diabetes. What is really the truth?

Is it possible that any of these cholesterol lowering medications could cause diabetes?

I have decided to ask this question from Dr. Daneschvar who is one of the experts in cholesterol management and heart and vascular disease prevention. He is the founder of TheMedCircle. I like this new website for the reason that the replies to patients' questions are only provided by the experts grounded on unbiased and fact-based information. TheMedCircle has circulated Dr. Daneschvar's answer to this inquiry on their site.

In asked him whether statins, in view of the new research data, should be avoided. He replied that consuming statins in patients at risk for having heart attacks and strokes offset the risk of having diabetes. I found the following quote to be very thought-provoking: "The notion that statins can be put in the public water so that everybody is able to enjoy benefits should be questioned. We as human beings have learned to use automobiles despite its many adverse effects and problems. Using medication in the right and measured way is not very different."

I have decided to write this post after noticing that many people still have the same concerns that I had last year. I believe reading the entire article on TheMedCircle could answer this question for many people.

I will carry on taking statins until better data is accessible. I will also continue observing my diet. Everyone knows that this is not easy to do. I am aware that finding trustworthy and accurate answers to common medical problems can be puzzling and challenging particularly when there are many sites providing inaccurate and confusing information.




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