Cholesterol Medication May Raise Stroke Risk in Diabetics
In the July 21, 2005 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine , Dr. Robert Stanton chief of kidney diseases at Joslin Diabetes Center, reports that a group of medications called statins, that are generally prescribed to reduce blood cholesterol which reduces the risk of heart attacks, may in diabetic patients on dialysis, increase there risk of strokes.
In a study of over 1200 patients in Germany, there were 27 fatal strokes among the 619 people on Lipitor versus 13 among the 636 in the placebo group, a result the authors said was unexplained and could be just a chance finding, considering that previous research showed a benefit from the drug. So if you are taking these medications, check with your doctor. And remember, with a healthy lifestyle program, following ALL of the 8 Laws of Health, you may be able to discontinue the use of this class of medications. But check with your doctor before making any changes in your medication regimen, you may be doing yourself harm!
