Statins and Diabetes: A Vital Link to Heart Health

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If you’re managing diabetes, you’re likely focused on keeping your blood sugar levels in check. But did you know that adding a statin to your treatment plan could offer significant additional protection for your heart?

What Are Statins?

Statins are medications that help lower the amount of cholesterol in your blood. They work by reducing the liver’s ability to make cholesterol, which in turn helps to clear fatty buildup in your blood vessels. By reducing this buildup, statins help improve blood flow to and from your heart, decreasing the risk of blockages that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetes & Your Heart: Why a Statin?

There’s a strong connection between blood sugar and heart health. Over time, persistently high blood sugar levels can damage the delicate lining of your blood vessels, making them more prone to narrowing and hardening. This can also affect the nerves that help regulate your heart function.

To combat this, the American Diabetes Association1 now advises that people with diabetes incorporate statin medication to decrease the chances of heart attacks and strokes, regardless of cholesterol levels. This recommendation acknowledges that diabetes itself increases the risk of heart disease, even if cholesterol levels are within a healthy range. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association say that statins are effective in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and lowering the risk of heart disease.

Are Statins Safe?

Extensive research over the past two decades has consistently shown that statins are safe and well-tolerated for the majority of individuals. The significant benefits of taking a statin in preventing serious cardiovascular events often outweigh the relatively low risk of side effects.

Possible Side Effects:

Like all medications, statins can have potential side effects, but these are generally mild and temporary for most people.

  • Muscle and abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting

Most side effects are temporary. If they don’t go away on their own, contact your WellBe provider for next steps or alternative options.

Talk With Your WellBe Provider

Your licensed WellBe provider can help you with starting a statin medication that’s right for you. They will review your medical history, current medications, and individual risk factors to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Taking proactive steps like discussing statin therapy can significantly contribute to protecting your heart health and overall well-being as you manage your diabetes. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

References: 

1 American Diabetes Association. New standards of care provide guidelines for statin use for people with diabetes to prevent heart disease. December 23, 2014. Accessed July 7, 2023.


WellBe Senior Medical

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