Matt Olszewski
By Matt Olszewski
Chronically high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels, and inflammation are hallmark causes of atherosclerosis. Type 2 diabetics are among the highest-risk populations for morbidity and mortality. Statins can help reduce the progression of CVD complications in diabetic patients and support their overall cardiovascular health.
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Although there are multiple causes of diabetes, insulin resistance and genetics are the top two. 37.3 million
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in diabetics, with two-thirds of deaths occurring in type-2 diabetes patients insulin resistance metabolic syndrome
How does diabetes affect the risk of cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects the heart and blood vessels in various ways. While preventable, more than 695,000
High blood sugar levels in diabetics can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, called the endothelium, which leads to atherosclerosis diabetic cardiomyopathy
What are statins?
Statins are a class of medications primarily used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol
Now, let's discuss how statins affect diabetics and lower CVD risk. Since diabetes is a condition characterized by impaired insulin function and chronic hyperglycemia, many individuals with diabetes also have atherosclerosis caused by inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Abnormal lipid levels, including high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases high blood sugar CVD in diabetics .
What benefits do statins have in reducing the risk for CVD?
Statins are particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of CVD for many reasons! Here are more ways statins can decrease the risk for CVD:
Lipid management: Statins effectively reduce LDL cholesterol levels crucial for people with diabetes with dyslipidemia. By lowering LDL cholesterol, statins help decrease the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications such as heart attack and stroke.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Statins have anti-inflammatory properties that extend beyond their cholesterol-lowering abilities. Inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. By reducing inflammation, statins can slow the progression of atherosclerosis and its complications
Stabilizing plaque: In addition to lowering LDL cholesterol, statins stabilize plaque in the arteries complications
Improved endothelial function: Statins reduce platelet adhesion, induce cytoprotective genes, and can suppress vascular inflammation, thus improving endothelial function
Side Effects of Statins
Like any medication, statins have various potential side effects.
Some negative side effects
Muscle pain (rarely, they can cause rhabdomyolysis– a severe muscle condition)
Liver damage
Digestive issues
Fatigue
Headache
The benefits of statins generally outweigh the risks, especially for individuals with diabetes who are at increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Statins lower cholesterol which reduces atherosclerosis, resulting in a lower risk for cardiovascular disease
So, should I take statins or not?
If you have diabetes and are considering taking statins, it is essential to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider. Sometimes patients with diabetes can't tolerate statins because they inhibit insulin production. In addition, age
Matt Olszewski is a freelance writer in the Health and Medical fields based in Boston, MA. He graduated with a BA in Psychology and has work experience in clinical research. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he is currently studying at Tufts University for his MPH with a biostatistics and epidemiology concentration. During his free time, he loves going on runs, hikes, and exploring new cities.