Second Nature Care Blog

Statins Double Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 20, 2020 12:39:00 PM / by Isadora Guggenheim

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And the truth just keeps rolling in.  New studies confirm that statin therapy doubles your risk of Type II diabetes. Why? Because of genetic variants.  Do you think your cardiologist or primary care doctor checks you for genetic variations before prescribing statin therapy?  The answer would be No.  

Why do statins double your risk of Type II diabetes?  

Alleles associated with lower LDL cholesterol and increased risk for diabetes are associated with a small and significant increase in weight.  

What does this mean?

A few years back after some analysis of major statin trials, the increased risk for diabetes from statin use was discovered.  In 2012, The FDA changed statin labels to read that these drugs can increase blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels.  

Statin drugs are supposed to target a specific enzyme pathway called HMG-CoA reductase (same pathway that inhibits the production of CoQ10).  They found genetic variants in an individual's genes that interact with the protein target in the statins.  rs17238484 and rs12916 and other genetic variations were associated with higher body weight, increased waist circumference, plasma insulin concentration and plasma glucose concentration levels.  

Do individuals who have these gene variants have an increased risk towards high cholesterol and when treated by statins become at higher risk for diabetes?

Researchers found that some of the diabetic risk was a direct effect of statin drug therapy.  

The conclusion of this article kindly suggests that there is no need to change how statins are prescribed. They go on to say that "patients need to eat healthily and be as physically active as possible when on a statin."

Why not skip the statins and re-evaluate your diet, exercise and sleep patterns.  I start with a microbiome makeover first for cardiac patients.  We make swift dietary changes because the patient does not have time to waste.  I add in strategic and safe nutraceuticals which do not increase the risk of Type II diabetes.  

I always check for elevated lead, mercury and other metals as they are associated with cardiovascular disease.Get Healthy Today! 

Topics: Men's Health, Heart Health, Healthy Living, Chronic Illness and Disease, Body Health, Women's Health

Isadora Guggenheim

Written by Isadora Guggenheim

Isadora Guggenheim, ND, FNP, RN, MS, CNS, LMT, owner of Second Nature Naturopathic Care, LLC
For all appointments: Tel: 845 358-8385 Fax: 845 358-2963 drguggenheim@msn.com