Side-effects of statins: Have you experienced changes in blood sugar?

Posted by naiviv @naiviv, Nov 7 8:22pm

Hello. I am taking Metformin for pre-diabetes which has my blood sugar in normal levels and my cardiologist recommended me to start a statin because it was found I have a Lipoprotein A high (268). I have to confess that I have heard so much of statins causing problems with muscle pain and high blood sugar, that I am hesitant to take any of them. He told me he could start with low dose statin but that it was up to me to do it. My lipids are normal except my LDL is 116 (best results are less than 100). Has anyone have ever had side effects with statins? How about blood sugar levels while using statins? I know that I have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease because of the LipoA and my genes (both parents had heart issues). Let me know if someone wants to share experience with statins. Thank you

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I take a statin (Atorvastin 80 mg. 1/day. Would this affect elevated blood sugar levels?

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@mayoconnectuser1

Very true. My triglycerides are all over the place, including readings of 1772 and 1500, last one read 376 or so. But for a long time in the 80’s. Any suggestions? Thank you.

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3 yesrs ago, 1,772. Doctor said must be clinical error, normal for a year or do, then another reading of 1,500 and 3 days later 367…..?????

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Thank you for these replays. I have had A-Fib for quite awhile. I had a bad August and had to have two surgeries. My heart was beating to fast and they had a time keeping it under control. ( Heart problems are big in my family. I was put on Metropolo 25mg, twice a day. They wanted to start me on a blood thinner. I refused and made an appointment with my cardiologist He is sending me to a Cardiologist Specialist to be evaluated for a walkman. That appointment is January 27th. What do you know about it?

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Sorry to hear that you have been going through so much. My husband’s cardiologist recommended him the Walkman device too but the cardiologist explained to him that sometimes the device doesn’t fit well and due to this the patient needs to be in anticoagulant forever something that my husband can’t take due to his radiation cystitis which make him bleed in the bladder. So the cardiologist told him that the other option was to place a clip on the Left appendage of the heart to prevent clots. This procedure was less invasive but he stayed admitted for several days in the Mayo hospital. The Walkman device has worked good for many patients so does the Appendage clip.
Wishing you the best in health. Stay healthy. Thanks.

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@betsy01

I take a statin (Atorvastin 80 mg. 1/day. Would this affect elevated blood sugar levels?

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I am not sure about the sugar levels BUT google atorvastatin and women.
I was on that and loss muscle and fell 4 times.
It was the worst med I have ever had and despite the horrible falls my cardiologist insists I take that statin.
I am lucky to be alive as the first fall and a few more inches and my head would have hit the window sill and my face would have gone through the window.
I have an artificial heart valve ( cow part ).
I have a test scheduled , something with a solar sound .
Good luck with that med.

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@lilylarson

I’m on 80 mg of statin I experienced no side effects. Statin is a miracle drug keeps the plaque at bay. Unfortunately, I have to take it everyday. However, I did have a caregiver that took my statin away for 17 days. I ended up getting two clots which in cardiovascular they call it plaque. I ended up getting a 78% clot two on the left ventricle main chamber. Within 17 days without this medication I have 2 clots on heart, After, vascular surgery, you must take statin for the rest of your life. It’s one of the best drugs on the market that actually save your life.

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I have aphasia sometimes my sentences make no sense. I was lazy didn’t want to rely on AI to speak. So I gave it the old college to make complete sentences.

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@jc76

@joaf37
I am not sure if you have access to a Mayo Clinic but they offer a review of your medication looking for side effects and contradictions.

Most pharmacies also offer this as a one on one consultation. I know CVS where I live in Florida does. Many times I have had the pharmicist say this medication you have been prescribed is in contradiction to this or that medication.

Even my PCP (Mayo) caught a contradiction when I went in for treatment at a walk in clinic on weekend calling me at home saying the COVID medication I was prescribed at walk in clinic would have drastic impact on two of my medications and not to take it.

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I planned to send a note of appreciation for this but was delayed by three unexpected "events"" . They were with my right foot and both wrists (one at a time) cramping with severe pain then paralyzed for a few minutes over the course of three days. The foot was when I was driving. That experience certainly gives one pause. I am in another town for medical care than where I live. The third event was on a Sunday after the appointment on Friday with a cardio specialist here. I found the closest ER which turned out to be great. They ran tests that could cause or parallel those cramping events. The results of all tests were normal save one --- taking Atorvastatin. Their advice was to change the Rx or at least get a lower dose ASAP but not to drop the Rx until some change which I knew. However so I could drive home (several hours) with less risk for cramping they prescribed a muscle relaxant for three days which also means I couldn't drive during that time. Still in a hotel as a result. A major point of frustration is the need to update the cardio MD's office about this always on their portal and not hearing back. I've seen many comments on Mayo Connect about statins and alternatives just now and do so appreciate seeing them as well as your advice about the RX review options especially now .

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