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What Causes Low LDL Levels?
Question: This is for an Endocrinologist. I have Type 2 Diabetes with my A1C around 6.0 at present. I am on Metformin. On a recent wellness visit to my GP, I was told I needed to be on a Statin solely since I have Diabetes. My LDL is 71. Last year I had a scan that showed mild build up in one of my cardiac area arteries. Is a Statin really necessary here? I also take Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus and Sjogren's syndrome and am not very interested in taking another medicine. Why would a Statin be prescribed for such a low LDL, and what side effects would I possibly have from taking it?
Brief Answer:
In my opinion, in this LDL level you can try some lifestyle changes.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have carefully gone through your question.
Your actual A1C result is perfect.Well-done!
This means that your diabetes is under control and metformin is enough for the treatment of Diabetes for you.
Diabetes is correlated with a high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The target of LDL cholesterol in individuals with diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors, according to XXXXXXX Diabetes association, is<100 mg/dl. So, you actually have a very good result of LDL.
Furthermore, a possible target LDL of <70 mg/dl is stated in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Your Scan of last year showed that you have an atherosclerotic disease.And this means that a low LDL<70 will be beneficial for you, for the prevention of Cardiovascular and vascular outcomes.
However, if you were my patient, in your actual level of LDL, I will order for some weeks to try with lifestyle changes like a low-fat diet, more physical activities and stop for the moment the statin.
Repeat the lipid profile after 3 months to see the LDL level and the effects of lifestyle changes in your lipid levels.(Let me know if you will have good results or not)
2. The most common statin side effects include:
Headache.
Difficulty sleeping.
Flushing of the skin.
Muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness
Drowsiness.
Dizziness.
Nausea or vomiting.
Abdominal cramping or pain.
Hope I have answered your questions.
If you have other doubts, feel free to ask.I will be happy to help.
Best regards.
In my opinion, in this LDL level you can try some lifestyle changes.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have carefully gone through your question.
Your actual A1C result is perfect.Well-done!
This means that your diabetes is under control and metformin is enough for the treatment of Diabetes for you.
Diabetes is correlated with a high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The target of LDL cholesterol in individuals with diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors, according to XXXXXXX Diabetes association, is<100 mg/dl. So, you actually have a very good result of LDL.
Furthermore, a possible target LDL of <70 mg/dl is stated in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Your Scan of last year showed that you have an atherosclerotic disease.And this means that a low LDL<70 will be beneficial for you, for the prevention of Cardiovascular and vascular outcomes.
However, if you were my patient, in your actual level of LDL, I will order for some weeks to try with lifestyle changes like a low-fat diet, more physical activities and stop for the moment the statin.
Repeat the lipid profile after 3 months to see the LDL level and the effects of lifestyle changes in your lipid levels.(Let me know if you will have good results or not)
2. The most common statin side effects include:
Headache.
Difficulty sleeping.
Flushing of the skin.
Muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness
Drowsiness.
Dizziness.
Nausea or vomiting.
Abdominal cramping or pain.
Hope I have answered your questions.
If you have other doubts, feel free to ask.I will be happy to help.
Best regards.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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