ANOTHER urgent warning for type 2 diabetic patients who take statins

Sight unseen

Hear that sound? That’s right. Crickets.

Early this year, the FDA issued a new requirement for statin drug makers. Drug information flyers must now warn patients that statins increase risk of high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes.

One word… Overdue! Evidence of this link goes back at least to 2010. But no matter. The warning is there now.

But what’s missing?

Guidance.

Neither the FDA nor any medical organization has stepped up to offer guidance for type 2 diabetics who are already taking statins.

So what should those patients do?

Well, to me it’s very clear. In fact, I wouldn’t have thought it could get any clearer. But it has. Because a new study reveals a devastating vision risk for diabetic statin users.

Ignoring the alarm

Here’s an interesting detail about your vision. The lens membrane on your eyes requires cholesterol to maintain lens transparency.

HUH! So if you LOWER cholesterol, guess what happens?

For years, doctors have been aware of the link between statin use and cataract risk.

A new Canadian study confirms the risk — with an unexpected bombshell.

In this large study of nearly 6,400 subjects, statin users increased cataract risk by 50%. But the risk in diabetics was considerably higher… More than 85%!

Only one thing could make this worse… Cataracts in diabetic statin users progressed at a faster rate than in those who didn’t use statins.

In an article about this study, one doctor called the results “interesting,” but not “alarmist.”

Well, thanks so much for your insight, doctor. I think we can assume you’re NOT a diabetic on statins.

Diabetics are already at greater risk of cataracts and glaucoma. And diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults. So the LAST thing a diabetic needs, is a daily pill that puts vision health in serious jeopardy.

The worst of it is that many diabetics don’t need statins at all. But because diabetes increases heart disease risk, many doctors prescribe statins to their diabetic patients, no matter what their cholesterol status might be.

That’s because too many doctors simply think of statins as a magical heart disease preventive. It’s insane!

It’s long past time for medical mainstreamers to remove their blindfolds and see statins for what they are… Far more trouble than good.

Sources:
“Statins linked with development of cataracts” Michael O’Riordan, The Heart, 8/13/12, theheart.org

“Statin Use Tied to Eye, Kidney, Liver Troubles” Steven Reinberg, HealthDay News, 5/20/10, healthday.com