How many type T1's are actually taking a Statin – And, any side effects?

[Guest]

I've been T1 for 14 years, adult onset in my late 40's. Endo wants to put me on a Statin as a preventative. I've read so many bad things about statins, and I was wondering how many type T1's are actually taking a statin. And, any side effects?

Thank you.

[Donna]

I’ve been a T1 diabetic for 65 years, birthed 5 children, have earned 3 college degrees, I’m grandmother to 7 grandchildren, and I’ve worked a 38 year teaching career! My A1C is 4.8 and I’ve taken a statin for over 18 years with no side affects!

[Nicole]

I just got put on one. I was kinda forced into it by my doctor. I don't even know what my levels are because they haven't been checked in a while. He just said since I was Type 1 that I needed them and that was that.

I have no side effects from them.

I am taking Atorvastatin.

[Mike]

I got put on 1 for my kidneys (just to protect them) when I hit 25 years. No side effects and it was a very low dose.

[Matthew]

I’ve been type 1 since 1995. I was (16) . Drs wanted me on a statin and I decided not to do it.

I’m 44 and in February I had a heart attack and a triple bypass. I had 1 artery 100% blocked and 2 others 90% blocked. I’m in shape and an A1c of 6.3.

I know not perfect but not terrible either. If I had it to do over again I’d be on a statin to help. If you want you can pm me about it.

Good luck

Explore these too: Anyone take Ozempic as a type one?

[Dawn]

I support the fact that we all can make our own decisions but don't buy into everything your doctors, medical associations tell you without doing your own research. Like for statins, the statistics are not that impressive for preventing a heart attack versus impact of side effects.

It's really about inflammation.

Don't forget also that our brains are made of fat and cholesterol and the importance of cholesterol in so many vital functions.

[Kelly]

I've been on a statin for 5 months now b/c of stubborn LDL levels that wouldn't budge no matter how well I ate and exercised.

I just had bloodwork a few weeks ago and those numbers finally came down. No side effects, either!

[Jeannie]

I was put on atorvastatin since my triple bypass surgery in 2000. In the past few years I kept hearing about negative side effects from it so I asked my naturopath if she could recommend an alternative. I now take a supplement called Lipo Matrix and my cholesterol levels have been perfect for the last year.

It's personal choice and I chose a more natural substitute with no side effects.

Also, check out: I’m diagnosed brittle – My insulin sensitivity changes often

[Lisa]

I was put on them 5 months ago and now have Achilles tendinopathy. It's painful and I can't walk properly. I have stopped taking them and now have to wait for it to heal but it can take a long time.

I'm hoping I can be prescribed something else but I'm unsure where to risk any other side effects.

[Mary]

My doctor wanted to do that too. I had a cardiac CT and based on those results, we decided we would discuss after the results of the cardiac CT. My scan was perfect so no statin. My cholesterol was 109 and he wanted it to be 100 (the one number, not sure which one). Since the scan was optimal, I am not taking a statin.

My guy told me I didn’t need it, and I’m glad there was science to support my decision. Good luck.

[Jess]

I'm not, although it was suggested I should. I have very slight higher levels, but not drastic. I've decided not too, until I decide if I want children or not.. Once I've ever had children or decide not too, then I will consider.

I do think that everyone is different and depending on your health etc you should discuss with your Dr. My Dr is in agreement with my choice &, said will monitor yearly & if health declines will push for me to go on them.

I've been dx for 8 years. X

[Tracy]

No, my Endo doesn’t think I need it. But studies are showing it depletes CoQ10 which is critical for health heart. My doc suggested about 10 years ago to take one daily.

We’re all different! Good luck.

[Ana]

I asked a doctor but where I live they will not prescribe it unless there is an issue already. I had high bp so it was considered but then we realized my thyroid is whack, and my bp went back down (last checkup 117/73) once my thyroid calmed down so no need. T1 for 32 years.

[Michelle]

I got put on simvastatin at 40. (diagnosed T1 at age 38) The consultant said it was new NHS guidelines (in the UK) that any T1's aged over 40 are offered statins as a preventative to lower our increased risk of heart attack to nearer that of a non diabetic.

He said around age 40 was when the risk increases for everyone but it increases much more for T1's. I did a lot of research online which put my fears to rest as most scare stories I'd heard were debunked and side affects rarer than I thought.

So, I decided to go ahead. Have been on them about 9 years now and have had no side effects or problems.