2. Type 2 Diabetes
Taking statin could also cause type 2 diabetes. That’s because this prescription cholesterol medicine can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, which, if left untreated or if it persists long enough, could lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. A team of researchers found that while statins can effectively lower bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels, they can also activate an immune response that prevents insulin from doing its job effectively. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and helps to control blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes occurs in people who are either not producing enough insulin, or who are producing insulin, but the substance isn’t effectively controlling blood sugar. As a result, statins can certainly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that could become life-threatening if it isn’t properly managed. The risk is low, but it is still a cause for concern.
