Skip to content
skin-conditions — Heart health — Cance — Medicare — Medical-conditions — Health-and-wellness — nutrition — Inflammation — Cbd

Medication Linked to Higher Diabetes and Cataracts Risk

Statins are drugs often given to decrease cholesterol levels. However, they carry a substantial risk of complications such as dementia, kidney issues, and muscle discomfort. Recent research suggests that certain statins may also boost the risk of diabetes and cataracts.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Statins, often given to decrease cholesterol levels, present a range of potential adverse effects...
Statins, often given to decrease cholesterol levels, present a range of potential adverse effects such as an enhanced probability of dementia, kidney problems, and muscle discomfort. Recent research suggests that certain statins may also elevate the risk of diabetes and cataracts.

Medication Linked to Higher Diabetes and Cataracts Risk

Statin Risks: A Closer Look at Rosuvastatin and Atorvastatin

When a doctor recommends statins to lower cholesterol levels, the decision is not always straightforward. A recent study compared the long-term effectiveness and safety of rosuvastatin (Crestor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) in adults with coronary artery disease (CAD). This research, based on the LODESTAR trial conducted in South Korea from 2016 to 2019, found that both statins were equally effective for the mentioned patient group regarding 3-year combined all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and coronary revascularization.

However, the investigation also highlighted some concerning differences between the two drugs, specifically in relation to new-onset diabetes and cataract surgery. The group taking rosuvastatin had a higher incidence of new-onset diabetes requiring medication (7.2%) compared to the atorvastatin group (5.3%). Additionally, the rosuvastatin group experienced a higher rate of cataract surgery (2.5%) compared to the atorvastatin group (1.5%).

Researchers suggest this increased rate of cataracts might be linked to rosuvastatin's more potent LDL cholesterol-lowering power. This strength can potentially interfere with cholesterol biosynthesis within the crystalline lens, affecting its transparency and structure. It is also important to note that more cholesterol is needed in the body to maintain healthy eyes, just as it is for a healthy brain and hormone production.

Despite the difference in LDL cholesterol-lowering power, the original research emphasizes that these findings did not translate to fewer clinical events. Recent evidence indicates that inflammation could be a more significant contributor to cardiovascular risk among statin users. Statins, however, do help reduce both cholesterol and inflammation levels.

To better understand the possible relationship between new-onset diabetes, cataract surgery, and rosuvastatin, further investigation is required. It is also essential to explore the underlying mechanism for these links and possible drug effects.

If you are already taking a statin, it is advisable to consult your doctor before making any changes. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels without taking a statin can be achieved through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight, focusing primarily on reducing the intake of simple/processed carbohydrates. A balanced diet rich in fiber, plant sterols, and fruits and vegetables high in lutein and zeaxanthin can help protect your eyes against cataracts and macular degeneration.

Response to Enrichment Data:The availability of large-scale studies and systematic reviews sheds light on the safety profiles and potential adverse events of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin, particularly in terms of risks like new-onset diabetes, cataracts, and other side effects. Although statins have a modest increased risk of new-onset diabetes, the risk does not seem to be specific to any single statin, including rosuvastatin. There is also some evidence for a small increased risk of cataracts and related eye conditions for statin users as a whole, but no significant difference has been observed between rosuvastatin and atorvastatin. Other potential side effects shared by both drugs include muscle pain, headache, and dizziness. The risks associated with statins do not mainly affect their cardiovascular benefits.

  1. Science continues to explore the health implications of statins, delving into chronic diseases like heart health and potential medical-conditions such as new-onset diabetes and eye-health issues like cataracts.
  2. While statins like rosuvastatin and atorvastatin may have shared risks, upcoming therapies-and-treatments in health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise may offer alternative routes to lower LDL cholesterol and mitigate these risks.
  3. Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health, and maintaining a balanced diet can help manage cardiovascular-health by reducing the intake of simple/processed carbohydrates and incorporating more fiber, plant sterols, fruits, and vegetables high in lutein and zeaxanthin.
  4. In the realm of medicare benefits, understanding the risks and potential side-effects of medications such as statins, rosuvastatin, and atorvastatin is key to making informed decisions about long-term health management.
  5. The science of skin-conditions is another area of interest, as some research indicates that inflammation may also be a contributing factor to these conditions, alongside other factors such as genetics and lifestyle choices.
  6. As a non-prescription option, CBD has garnered attention for its potential to help manage inflammation across various health domains, including heart health, chronic-diseases, and even in skin-conditions for topical relief.
  7. With advancements in science and technology, the medical field will continue to uncover connections between medications, health, and lifestyle factors, ultimately providing patients with more personalized treatment options and empowering them in their pursuit of overall wellness.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest