Shd Diabetic take cholestorol and blood pressure meds as preventative for heart and kidney damage?

Question

Dr. recommended Lipitor or Zocor, and a mild blood pressure med, even tho cholesterol and blood pressure are normal. Says studies now show that diabetics should have lower limits than non-diabetic. Says studies show cholesterol meds can coat the blood vessels and prevent heart and stroke issues, even if cholesterol readings are normal. Says mild dose of blood pressure meds also will help prevent issues with blockages in the kidneys. Also recommended 81mg aspirin every other day. No heart issues ever, 58 yr old man on insulin, Humalog and Lantis, not controlled to normal levels. Normal A1c, and normal liver enzyme levels.
Is this a new treatment philosophy?

The "uncontrolled" is the drastic swings in his readings, but it's true, his A1C stays below normal. The Dr.'s can't explain it either. That's why they worry about organ damage in the future, so far his organs are ok. As for the answer telling me to "ask a Doctor, well, that's what we've done, we wanted some diabetics first hand experience, thank you.

Answer 1

I am on both blood pressure and cholesterol meds even though I didn't have any problems in the first place.
My Endocrinologist believes it is a good measure.I have to agree.
Since i am chronically anemic, I had to stop the aspirin.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

Does he really need to be taking 3 blood pressure medications? The answer is yes. Doctors do not start out with 3 meds. They usually start with one plus a water pill (spironolactone). If the blood pressure doesn't come down into the range they want their patient, then they add another one and then another. Some drugs work better together to control high blood pressure. Your brother has a good combination going - leave it alone unless he wants to go back to having uncontrolled hypertension with then will cause him to have his second stroke. He can reduce his blood sugars by diet alone - he can research this on the internet on how to eat properly so he doesn't have to start diabetic medications also. He can call his doctor about his leg hurting and see if he has any recommendations about this and possibly being caused by one of his meds. Your brother can ask a pharmacist where he gets his meds this question for free. He does not need a doctor's visit at this time unless the leg pain is unbearable. Then, he could make arrangements with his doctor to make payments on his next visit BEFORE seeing his doctor. Some clinics will do this. Do not encourage him to stop any of his meds unless you want to visit him in a nursing home or the cemetary after his next massive stroke.

Answer 5

I am writing to tell you what an incredible impact these methods had on my life! I have had type 2 diabetes for 27 years. For me, the worst part of this horrible disease is the severe pain I constantly get in my feet. The pain is so bad that I avoid standing and walking as much as possible. I've got to tell you that within the first month, my feet stopped hurting altogether and I can now walk totally pain free.

Believe it or not, I even danced at my niece's wedding last month, something I have not done in a many years. I've been following the book for six months now and my blood sugar is well within normal range. I feel great!

I recommend you use the Type 2 Diabetes Destroyer to naturally reverse your diabetes.

Answer 6

There is a growing body of evidence showing a very definite connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. I can understand your doctor's rationale.

I guess if it was me, I'd discuss with him trying to modify my lifestyle in an effort to reduce my heart risks before going directly to pharmaceuticals...which have their own potential side effects. I'd also look at nutrition supplements that help reduce risks.

That's what I would do, but you have to be honest with yourself. Are you willing to do what is necessary to lower your risk factors naturally, i.e., regular exercise, the proper diet, etc. If you can't honestly say "yes" to that question then your doctor's recommendations may be your best option.

And even if you did try lifestyle first, you need to partner with your doctor to carefully monitor such things as your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, etc. Because even IF you did everything right, your odds of developing some form of cardiovascular disease EVENTUALLY is still higher than average.

Answer 7

My own doctor, who is a nephrologist as well as my primary, recommended and prescribed Lipitor for me as well, despite haivng a normal level of cholesterol. Her reasoning wasn't for choleterol as much as trigyceride levels, as a prophyllaxis; a preventative measure. Additionally, some so-called blood pressure medications are also effective at protecting kidney function and keeping protein levels in the urine down (Cozaar, for instance). This was prescribed for me several years ago, and I've not had any difficulties from the medications, although the kidney (a transplant) is beginning to fail due to chronic rejection, and the cozaar is forestalling the inevitable. So, I don't know exactly how new it is, but it is a popular and proven treatment. Your question is a bit confusing as well, as you state "on insulin, Humalog and Lantus, not controlled to normal levels", but also state "Normal A1c", which seems to be a contradiction in terms. Not really sure how someone who's not controlled to normal (aka good) levels of glucose can have normal A1c readings.

Answer 8

Now, I'll weigh in for the alternative medicine viewpoint. I don't like to see anyone deal with the side effects of prescription medicine, and both the ones you mentioned have side effects, so I'm sending this along--

I realize that conventional health care is necessary and appropriate. That having been said, there are also many things WE can do to overcome type II diabetes, and improve life as a Type I diabetic. I've been researching alternative medicine, and the amount of help that's available to diabetics is amazing.

Natural remedies are quite effective, and include:

Cinnamon
Bitter Melon
Gymnema Sylvestre
Nopal cactus
American Ginseng
Fenugreek
Chromium picolinate

Cinnamon regulates glucose, and has a polyphenol compound called MHCP that mimics insulin and activates cell receptor sites. A quarter teaspoon twice daily makes a difference. Fenugreek increases blood flow and inhibits the growth of infectious organisms. Everything on the list has a use in fighting diabetes. Learn how to use these herbs and don't fall victim to diabetes needlessly.You can find out about about them on line, or in a book I read cover to cover--

"One Son's Quest for the Cause and Cure of Diabetes", ISBN 7890766313

The author, a doctor, lost his mother to diabetes and spent the next 20 years finding a way to overcome it. My brother was dying of diabetes, and I was just starting to need insulin when we came across this definitive work which came out in February 2005. We both lead mostly normal lives now. It's a life saver, and the best money you'll ever spend on the subject if you decide to go that way.
You might want to check Abe Books, Alibri's, or Amazon.com for a good used copy cheap. I bought mine new, and I think it was about $35. I don't get any money from anybody for telling you this--just want to help, and the techniques in this book is what made the difference for me and mine. Best of luck.

Just recently found this 8-minute non-profit video http://www.rawfor30days.com/view.html , about diabetes diet. Click on the link, then click 'View Windows Media' to watch it.You'll be glad you saw it.

Answer 9

IT's what my Doctor recommended and six years into Type 2
I don't have any problems
I had a recent eye exam and the Optometrist said most damage shows up at ten years out

Answer 10

If needed. I take 81 mg aspirin daily with not problems. Anticholesterol drugs have been recommened prophylactically, but I do not use them, but I am not a diabetic. BP of 120/70 should be great, and slightly higher systolic is permissible.