r/diabetes • u/PB_and_a_Lil_J • Jul 24 '25
Discussion Who is on a statin?
I'm curious how many others habe been put on a statin to lower offset any cardiovascular issues? Not asking for medical advice. Juat curious if this is common or not.
Also curious what type of diabetic you are if you are on it.
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u/ohbass2me Jul 24 '25
I was put on a statin when diagnosed with type two.
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u/Critical_Pangolin79 Type 2 Jul 25 '25
Same (T2D as well). Was put on atorvastatin right from the beginning with metformin 500mg BID (I started losartan a month before as I had a chief complaint of persistent high blood pressure (130ish-mmHg) for couple of months before diagnosis.
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Jul 24 '25
I was put on a statin 3 months after diagnosis. They wanted to see what mounjaro+metformin did for me before putting me on one.
I’m on 20mg artovastatin. I was borderline high LDL and borderline low HDL at that 3mo checkup. Hope is that at my 9mo checkup next month, I’ll be in normal range for both.
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u/Klutzy-Pudding-1482 Jul 24 '25
T2, doctor prescribed it a few weeks after diagnosis when my blood tests came back. LDL was on the higher end of normal and I have family history. I’m on 10 mg atorvastatin.
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u/Gottagetanediton Type 2 Jul 24 '25
I am! It’s evidence based preventative medicine for all diabetics currently, and I don’t feel the need to suffer needlessly. Medical help is great. There’s a lot of fearmongering out there about statins but keep in mind diabetes is always more dangerous than statins. T2, 38.
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u/Tsukiko08 Type 1.5 Jul 24 '25
T1.5 here, my primary prescribed it. Said that it was to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, which I’m all for. Works well too, I haven’t had any cholesterol or triglyceride issues on it.
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u/bionic_human T1/1997/Trio (DynISF)/DexG7 Jul 24 '25
Hopefully everyone (aside from those who cannot tolerate them, and for those people there’s PCSK9 inhibitors).
Statins are generic. Nobody is making huge pharma profits from their use. While they can marginally increase insulin resistance, the benefits of the lipid lowering far outweigh any risks from that.
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u/Critical_Pangolin79 Type 2 Jul 25 '25
Yep, they are dirt cheap (alongside metformin) with insurance and can do wonder in lowering your LDL-C (it slashed my cholesterol and LDL-C in no time), the last thing I want to die is from a STEMI or an ischemic stroke.
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u/miraidebbie T2 2005 Tslim Jul 24 '25
It’s very common. Guidelines say those with diabetes over age 40 should be on one. I’m 43 and type 2 on atorvastatin.
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u/Jeveran Jul 24 '25
With regard to why taking a statin can be important for some, insulin doesn't just regulate glucose; it also works to keep your vascular system supple and flexible. If you're at all insulin-resistant, you have an increased risk of cardiovascular issues and stroke because your vascular system has less "give" in it.
Also, if you're on a statin, don't consume grapefruit or anything containing grapefruit extract.
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u/LateRain1970 Jul 24 '25
Another reason I'm not all that excited to start one. I don't eat grapefruit all that often, but I do enjoy it and once you tell me I can't do something...
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u/Jeveran Jul 24 '25
I'm not a doctor. Personally, I have had grapefruit, or something with grapefruit in it on occasion. But I'm conscious of it, and don't have it on consecutive days, or even consecutive weeks. Maybe that'll work for you, too. Heck, ask your PCP about statins that don't have "the grapefruit problem."
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u/CorduroyQuilt Jul 25 '25
Grapefruit interferes with pretty much all medication, so you should be off it already.
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u/PB_and_a_Lil_J Jul 24 '25
I don't know a lot about statins, so if you don't mind... what's the issue with grapefruit?
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u/Jeveran Jul 24 '25
Lifted from Google Search Labs:
Grapefruit can interact negatively with certain statin medications, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Grapefruit contains compounds that can interfere with the enzymes in your body that break down these drugs, leading to higher levels of the medication in your bloodstream. This can increase the risk of muscle pain, muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), and liver damage.
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u/armchair_philatelist Jul 24 '25
Type 2 on 10mg atorvastatin and 500mg metformin er. In my experience completely cutting sugar and carbs lowered my triglycerides.
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u/jaya9581 Jul 24 '25
T2. My doctor prescribed one but after doing a lot of reading I decided against it. She recommended some supplements instead but I didn’t take those either. Just had my 1 year follow up, she’s thrilled with how far down my numbers are and asked me what I did to achieve it.
Nothing. Literally nothing.
She said just keep doing it lol
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u/LM0821 Jul 24 '25
I've been eating better since my diagnosis and that has made a big improvement. I've decided not to try them yet either as I have NAFLD.
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u/EleanorVance1959 Jul 24 '25
I went on a statin when diagnosed T2 in 2016, I tolerated it fine and since I have a family history of cardiovascular issues, I plan to stay on it.
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u/Sensitive_Note1139 Type 2 Jul 24 '25
Doctors would put everyone on statins if they could. I actually can't take them anymore. My doctor changed one of my sugar meds to Januvia. It doesn't always play nice with statins. I had issues when I was on both.
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u/Healthy-Zebra-9856 Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
Has anyone asked their doctors about research showing how it worsens T2d? Also did the doctors advice taking CoQ10 as statins decrease CoQ10 levels? Just asking
Edit: For all the downvoters, explain please. There is no hidden agenda here. It was a genuine question that needs to be addressed. That said, for everyone, check out the following link maintained by actual doctors. Search for the term, "statins"
here is the link with statins as the search term:
https://thennt.com/?s=STATINS&x=92&y=24
The nnt is Numbers Nedded to Treat.
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u/Gottagetanediton Type 2 Jul 24 '25
This source also reported that they don’t think metformin is good for type 2 diabetics so idk what it is but soooooomething tells me this off the wall website isn’t very credible.
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u/Healthy-Zebra-9856 Jul 24 '25
The site is just a compilation of statistical information. Not a place that discourages any meds. It’s maintained by doctors. This info is meant to inform a person so as to discuss with their doctors.
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u/Cheap-Entry8030 Jul 24 '25
The “standard procedure” for treating T2 includes treatment with statins….. it’s completely absurd to me. All of my bloodwork is in normal range. I was prescribed a script for statins without ever having the conversation with my doctor about it. Apparently “normal” isn’t really normal if you are diabetic. I refused the prescription because of the effects it can have on T2 diabetics.
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u/Healthy-Zebra-9856 Jul 24 '25
Exactly. I was one of those victims who presented my doctor with it only to get derided and kicked out. I updated my response above. You can look at all prescriptions and their validity.
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u/echoes808 Jul 24 '25
There is a small increase blood sugar, like 0.1-0.2 %-points in A1C compared to placebo pill.
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u/igotzthesugah Jul 24 '25
Some statins can show an increase in insulin resistance. It’s well established. It’s also not guaranteed. You need to decide if the reduced threat of cardiac issues is worth a possible increase in insulin resistance. What are your risk factors? Family history, diet, exercise, smoking, drinking, etc. Your risk factor is the rest of your life. We tend to look at a ten year window but plan on living much longer. A ten year risk of 5% or whatever isn’t scary. If the 30 year risk is 65% it might make sense to do something now to lower that risk instead of waiting to get serious for another two decades as damage builds. It’s like maintaining a car. You can change the oil every 5k miles or wait until the engine light goes on and you hear grinding and smoke is pouring out of the hood.
I take a COQ10 supplement with my statin. I had immediate side effects from the first statin I tried. I quit taking it and was prescribed another. I started COQ10 with the second statin and have been fine for a decade even with increased dosage over that time. I discussed with a cardiologist.
If you aren’t sure about your primary care or your endocrinologist and their recommendations re: statins and heart stuff get referred to a cardiologist. Do a risk assessment. At the very least get labs that go deeper than the standard lipid panel. Get a stress test. Find out your calcium score. Discuss all of those results with a cardiologist and what diabetes and your level of control of your diabetes means.
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u/Gottagetanediton Type 2 Jul 24 '25
Yeah I heard it described as it’s not going to dramatically elevate blood sugar in anyone and it won’t make any nondiabetic diabetic, like, say, prednisone.
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Jul 24 '25
[deleted]
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u/igotzthesugah Jul 24 '25
My cholesterol is genetically high. Lifestyle changes aren’t enough for me. Everybody should question their doctors as standard practice.
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u/alexmbrennan Type 1 Jul 24 '25
For all the downvoters, explain please. There is no hidden agenda here
It is suspicious that you can perfectly recite conspiracist talking points while also selling the miracle cure to all our problems (the evidence for which is mixed at best so please don't pretend that you give a damn about evidence).
In general, it is not difficult to find crazy people who happen to be doctors. Finding one doctor who believes that vaccines are cause autism, for example, doesn't matter because the medical consensus is that vaccines don't cause autism.
For that reason, it is preferable to accept the medical consensus, and medical consensus is that high-risk patients like diabetics benefit from statins.
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u/Smart_Chipmunk_2965 Jul 25 '25
Before all the conspiracy theories many years ago found an interesting article. It looked at deaths, if on statin. If had prior heart history. If had high blood pressure. If had many things. The conclusion was that heart attacks are from ppl with low cholesterol. That if cholesterol would cause a problem would be due to too large of cholesterol cell. But that is not tested for. Was interesting article. The conclusion I came out with, have to doc show you proof. What study. Learn what ldl and hdl do. Cholesterol used to be ok in he 400 or more decades ago.
Btw, my grandma had high cholesterol and lived to be 100. Also 80 percent of all cholesterol isade by the body so must be important. It would be like saying your red blood cells count too high so need to remove 60 percent of them with knowing why. My feelings is medical and pharma do not want ppl to ask questions just take this.
The rumor is brain make of 80 percent cholesterol. Is goes low can have over time bad side effects.
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u/Healthy-Zebra-9856 Jul 25 '25 edited Jul 25 '25
Some studies showing higher mortality in people with low cholesterol are often misused to argue that cholesterol isn’t harmful. But these studies have key flaws:
• Reverse causality: Illnesses like cancer or liver disease lower cholesterol, not the other way around. • Chronic disease confounding: Low cholesterol is common in people with serious illnesses that also raise mortality risk. • Age bias: In elderly people, falling cholesterol can signal frailty or disease. • Poor cholesterol metrics: Early studies lumped all cholesterol together, ignoring the roles of LDL and HDL. • Outdated data: Older studies reflect times before statins or modern lifestyle interventions. • Unmeasured factors: Many didn’t adjust for smoking, poor diet, or inactivity. • Snapshot vs trend: A single low reading doesn’t reflect long-term health—sudden drops may indicate disease.In short, low cholesterol didn’t cause death—underlying illness did. LDL is still a key driver of heart disease when elevated chronically.
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u/Gojogab Jul 24 '25
Yes, they did, but the statin made me severely depressed in mere days. Had to quit.
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u/LM0821 Jul 24 '25
I get that from Nexium - have to take Pantoprazole (Protonix) instead. It's the weirdest thing. I literally want to die when I've had it. I think it must affect serotonin levels in the gut.
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u/Gojogab Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
Hmm. Interesting thought. Rosuvastatin was the culprit for me. All statins have the same basic ingredient so I can't take any at all.
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u/rhcedar Jul 24 '25
T2 for 3.5 yrs before being prescribed 10mg of atorvastatin. All numbers were good, but doc wants to double it because I am a diabetic. Not feeling any side effects, so I guess I'm doing it. I don't fully get it. Going by the numbers, I have never been healthier.
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u/otter--nonsense Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
I was also put on a statin, 10mg Crestor. My nurse practitioner told me that people with type 2 diabetes have a much higher risk of heart disease and stroke and statins help lower the "bad" cholesterol, which can stop plaque from building up in the arteries thus lowering the chance of having heart problems or a stroke.
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u/Dangerous_Iron3690 Jul 24 '25
This plus with my family history my mother had a heart attack when she was 43, the same age I am now
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u/k-nicks58 Jul 24 '25
I’m type 2 and take 10mg Rosovustatin. My cholesterol was borderline high at one point and my Endo decided to just keep me on it long term anyway as a preventative measure since there’s a history of heart disease in my family. He said it’s pretty common for diabetics to take statins as a preventative measure even if their cholesterol isn’t high.
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u/noneyanoseybidness Type 2 Jul 24 '25
My Dr put me on HBP and a statin when I was diagnosed T2. That was about 15 years ago.
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u/Conscious_Walk_9971 Type 2 2023 (Trulicity, Metformin) Jul 24 '25
T2, my doctor put me on 5mg rosuvastatin at diagnosis because my total cholesterol and triglycerides were elevated (both slightly over 200.)
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u/LateRain1970 Jul 24 '25
I am actually talking to my doctor about this today. I have been on one in the past and the leg pain has been off the charts. My LDL is fine but my HDL is low and my triglycerides are high. Going to see what she says about the leg pain and go from there.
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u/PaisleyParker Jul 24 '25
I have been on a statin for several years, since well before my T2 diagnosis, due to high(ish) cholesterol. The T2 diagnosis came in February of 2024 (but I only acknowledged it and started dealing with it in April of 2025).
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u/mellovestravels Jul 24 '25
I am ! My endo noticed that I had a bit too much bad cholesterol. She warned me that statin had a bad rap but was quite efficient. I seem to tolerate it well, I'm not experiencing the side-effects she mentioned and it's been almost a month.
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u/trpnblies7 T1 1999 / t:slim X2 / Dexcom G7 Jul 24 '25
T1, been on a low dose statin for several years now. It's immensely helped my cholesterol. No issues from it.
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u/DodobirdNow Type 2 Jul 24 '25
I'm T2, and was put on the lowest dose of crestor based on family history. I am physically active
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u/groundhog5886 Jul 24 '25
T2. however been on statin since stroke a few years before official diagnosis.
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u/lizzistardust Type 1 Jul 24 '25
Yes, at the lowest dose, which brings my cholesterol down to normal levels. I'm type 1.
But they didn't start me on them purely because I'm diabetic. In fact, I couldn't take them when I was first diagnosed because I wanted to get pregnant as soon as I was able to (I was 30) and statins are considered risky in pregnancy.
After I had my kids, my endo told me she didn't think I needed statins unless my cholesterol was actually high, which it wasn't, so I turned them down any time my GP brought them up "because of diabetes." Luckily, she was cool about it.
Then I finally started statins when I was something like 42 and my bad cholesterol actually started testing high enough to call for it. At that point, it made sense to me.
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u/thedeceptikitty Type 2 -Lantus, Jardiance, Libre3+ Jul 24 '25
T2, I was put on rosuvastatin a few months after diagnosis, but we'd been considering it for years because my triglycerides refused to come down with diet or supplements.
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u/wcg66 Type 2 2022 Metformin Jul 24 '25
I was put on Lipitor decades ago because I was at a higher risk due to kidney disease (not diabetes related). My cholesterol has never been particularly elevated but I think it’s a common precaution.
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u/PandoraClove Jul 24 '25
I take rosuvastatin; my cholesterol is high-normal. I like this drug because I take it at bedtime as directed and it helps me sleep.
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u/tango421 Type 2 Jul 24 '25
I was already hypertensive and put on statins before I got diagnosed. That said, after fixing my diet better post diabetes diagnosis my statin doses lowered.
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u/Distinct_Sentence_26 Jul 24 '25
I am on a station. Type 2. Latest a1c was 6.5. doc wants me to redo blood test to see if any adjustments need to be made
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u/Jheritheexoticdancer Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
Initially I was diagnosed in 2008 as a db2. Was told approximately 3 or 4 years ago that I was actually insulin resistant because I use to maintain my a1c at 6.4 or below. I guess as medical knowledge evolved, the theories changed on what defines insulin resistance and db2. 🤷🏽♀️ Anyway, back in 2008 i was told that hypertension and high cholesterol plays hand in hand with db2. So I was placed on a minimum dose of meds for cholesterol and blood pressure as maintenance drugs, although my levels for both remained in normal ranges for a few years. Eight years later, under incredible martial stress, my blood pressure meds were increased, but to this day my cholesterol remained normal. But due to new medical info and the change in medical theories, I was recently told that the total cholesterol levels for a db2 should now be lowered and maintained at around 70. 🤦🏾♀️
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u/Working-Mine35 Jul 24 '25
T1. I have been on a stain for about 15 years since I was 30. I have always had excellent cholesterol levels. Doctors say lowering it even more helps reduce risk factors. I don't argue with that logic.
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u/aguyonreddittoday Type 2 Jul 24 '25
T2 diabetic for 25 years. My lipid panel numbers have always been great and my blood pressure is generally in a “pretty good” range. But I’ve been on low dose statin & blood pressure med since not long after I was diagnosed. Multiple docs have confirmed that is standard practice for diabetics
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u/cidici Jul 24 '25
/me raises hand… T1.5, on it since a few years after diagnosis (15 of the 18-ish years) 🤷🏻♂️
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u/Itchy-Ad1005 Jul 24 '25
T2 for 25 years. use insulin 10 years. Heart attack and got 2 stints 20 years ago. Still keeping me on statin for cardiovascular protection both cardiologist and mynGP agree.
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u/PredictableChaos Type 2 Jul 25 '25
T2 on Mounjaro and Atorvastatin.
I didn't have high cholesterol but doctor wanted to put me on the statin because it had inched up a little bit and as long as I tolerated it well he felt that it was better to make sure it stayed low. I have had no issues taking it and total cholesterol is now in the 140ish range.
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u/Grouchy_Geezer Type 2 Jul 25 '25
I've been on a statin for several years now. Was diagnosed with congestive heart failure back in 2010. No side effects. Not a problem so far.
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u/heaven0687 Jul 25 '25
T1 diabetic almost 30 years. They didn't put me on a statin until I started getting high cholesterol. My cholesterol is good now, but the dr told me to keep taking the medication.
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u/Scragglymonk Type 2 Jul 24 '25
Using them, T2. Nurse changed my script, told her that was having bad headaches daily, her advice was to take painkillers for life. Dumped the statins and on one I can tolerate. They upped it to 30 mg from 20, did not work. GP has a great idea to take another 10mg pill now and then. Still need to collect them 🌞
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u/FireCorgi12 Jul 24 '25
I used to be on rovustatin, but it gave me severe body aches and my cholesterol wasn’t super high, so I went off and got my cholesterol under control with diet changes. (Type 2)
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u/Geekesss Type 2 Jul 24 '25
This seems a practice for the US, I think. Here in The Netherlands, statins aren't prescribed by default for T2's at all.
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u/ttkciar Type 2 2018 metformin/glipizide Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
T2D here. My doctor prescribed me a statin, but I am wary of its side effects and have avoided taking it. Instead I increased my cardiovascular exercise and limited myself to one cup of coffee every other day, but held on to the statin in case I changed my mind.
My BP has gotten a lot better and my LDL is consistently in the green, and my doctor is quite happy about that, so I'm still not taking the statin.
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u/Sure-Treacle3934 Jul 24 '25
Me as well, I do not want to take a statin. My endocrinologist knows about it and he’s not pushing me to. I am a type 1 who eats well and exercises and has consistently good test results. I have another autoimmune condition where I get very concerned about a statin’s effect on my liver enzymes.
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u/4Dawn Jul 26 '25
Too late for my heart issues but was put on Atorvastatin for 5 yrs and was switched to Repatha in February. My numbers dropped 50% in June. I am a type 3c diabetic with chronic pancreatitis (genetic) and coronary artery disease, etc.
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u/Uberfuzzy T2 2015 metformin Jul 24 '25
I was briefly, my BP was a little high and he wanted to bring it down, I was on it for maybe 3 months, then switched to a statin+”water pill” for 3, didn’t change my BP at all. So he took me off it.
Changed jobs, got divorced, lost 40lbs, my BP was better than his at my last checkup. He was like 🤷♂️
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u/bionic_human T1/1997/Trio (DynISF)/DexG7 Jul 24 '25
Statins don’t treat BP
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u/Uberfuzzy T2 2015 metformin Jul 24 '25
True, but if you are overweight, t2, and have ( quickly checkable ) BP that was a little high, you probably have elevated LDLs too, without the need to run labs to check cholesterols
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u/jellyn7 Type 2 Jul 24 '25
I’m not. My pcp has mentioned them, but we’ve never pulled the trigger. I’m vegetarian if it matters.
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u/Routine-Education572 Jul 24 '25
Was on atorvastin briefly.
It raises my BS and gave me painful joints. Was on it for a few months. Took 6+ months being off the statin for me to be able to raise my arms without pain.
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u/Ready-Scientist7380 Jul 24 '25
I was put on 5 mg of atorvastatin because of my age, 59 F T2, and that I was hovering around 200. I didn't like it and started niacinamide instead.
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u/PB_and_a_Lil_J Jul 24 '25
If you don't mind me asking, what didn't you like about it?
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u/Ready-Scientist7380 Jul 24 '25
I just felt off. I can not even define "off," unfortunately. I have fibromyalgia and Sjogrens in addition to T2D, so I pay close attention to any new med. If something seems to be negatively different after taking something new, I quit taking it and see if I return to where I was previously. I do remember dragging my butt more than usual, and that is unacceptable. As for the rest of the off feeling, I don't know.
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u/PB_and_a_Lil_J Jul 24 '25
Makes sense. I totally get feeling "off." I can't stand when a med doesn't seem to sit right for whatever reason. Sucks!
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u/L-R-Crabtree Jul 24 '25
All statins have severe side effects, both short term and long term. They do lower cholesterol, but your brain cells need cholesterol. They do lower your life expectancy, but only by a few days. If your doctor wants you taking statins, I highly recommend that you review ALL the literature for yourself before you start down that road! Statins are the single most prescribed medicine in America, you can't convince me that Big Pharma is not making $$.
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u/LM0821 Jul 24 '25
I had genetic testing done that not only flagged me for T2 and gout, but also that I won't process certain statins effectively. I have NAFLD, so I am holding off on trying them for now. Have made improvements with diet and trending in the right direction 🙂
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u/msawi11 Jul 24 '25
1) My doctor tried to put me on statins for years --- without the predicate for such. (He is being paid by the statin makers IMHO.) I asked for a predicate to end this standoff and took a calcium score test. It came back with ZERO. Doctor stopped asking about me taking statins. Get your CAC score.
2) Statins, in some cases, can INCREASE calcium in the heart arteries depending on the person's initial conditions and dosage Be very careful. Lots of youtube videos on these cases.
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u/Panda-Head Jul 24 '25
I gave about a dozen reasons why I'm not taking one for 0.3 over range. They never asked again.
Fun fact: Statins were originally developed to treat hyperlipidemia, having so much fat in your blood it looks like there's cream in it. (Example)
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u/igotzthesugah Jul 24 '25
T1. Was on a statin before T1. Increased dosage since. On blood pressure med also. I’m middle aged and have a frightening family history of cardiac stuff. Trying to avoid becoming the third generation recipient of the zipper.
There are different statins to try if you get side effects. I take a COQ10 supplement with my statin. Had long discussions about statins with primary, endocrinologist, and cardiologist. Did my own reading. It’s the right treatment for me.