Cholesterol Drugs for Diabetics

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2003
Cholesterol Drugs for Diabetics
3
Tue, 04-20-2004 - 9:35pm

News about the connection between cholesterol meds and diabetes...


MONDAY, April 19 (HealthDayNews) -- Another major medical group is urging that the majority of America's 18.2 million diabetics be placed on cholesterol-busting statins, to lower their risk for heart attack and stroke.


More from this article at:


http://www.ivillagehealth.com/news/drugs/content/0,,412636_631330,00.html

IVHealth Ruth Ann
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IVHealth Ruth Ann
Community Leader/Ask the Health Librarian

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2004
Fri, 04-23-2004 - 2:27am
Thanks for the article. I've been on Zocor for a few years...not due to the diabetes, though. I have rotten genetics! My father died of a coronary at 66, and my eldest brother died at 32 from heart disease. His heart was weakened by rheumatic fever as a child I think my mom said. I have multiple risks for heart disease...and now diabetes to boot! Was dx 1/21/04, with an A1C over 11.

My cholesterol was right at the 200 mark, but my triglycerides were below 300, but way up there. My PCP added Zetia about 8 months ago (?) and I'm anxious to see what my next labs will show for the lipids as well as the A1C.

I'd like to think that I'm going to show much healthier, but with my luck...anything is possible.

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 04-24-2004 - 12:25am

Kathi,


Lipid abnormalities is an indication to test for diabetes. Specifically HDL-C under 35 and triglycerides above 250 are indications to test for diabetes.


Insulin is secreted in response to carbohydrates and proteins in a meal. It increases the amount of glucose stored in muscles. Essentially it increases hepatic carbohydrate metabolism by enhancing the storage of glycogen or by increasing glycolysis (breakdown of glycogen into glucose). Glycolosis leads to the conversion of liver glucose into triglycerides. Insulin has a profound influence on fat metabolism. Ingested fat is stored as triglycerides in our fat tissues. Excess carbohydrate calories also form part of the triglyceride molecule. Insulin promotes making triglycerides by helping dietary fat gain entrance into the fat cells and by stimulating the conversion of glucose to glycerol which is the backbone of the triglyceride molecule.


I hope I didn't lose you with this very technical discussion. I have tried to simplyfy it as much as I can. But from this discussion it is logical to understand why fats and

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2004
Sat, 04-24-2004 - 1:42am
You didn't lose me. In fact, I wasn't expecting such wonderful insight! I mean, thanks for the information. It's greatly appreciated.

Talked to my PA today and she suggested that I start the regular Glucophage-XR. Didn't have any response to my weight gain. Said the 7/04 appt was soon enough, and that I should wait until just before that appt to have the labs done. I was thinking that she'd say something about lowering the Amaryl or cutting the dosage of Metformin.

Oh well, guess we'll see what happens. I saved your message to my health folder so I can reread it later.

:-)