Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Elevated Triglycerides Inspite Of Having Diabetes?
Question: I have been on Lipitor for over 5 years, now taking 40mg BID. I think this is causing my A1C to be 7.2 but my doc says all statins do that. I am menopausal. I want to try Crestor as nothing seems to make my tryglicerides come down, it is in the 300 range. He wants to put me on Metformin, I don't want to take anymore medication. He says all statins increase A1c 6-8. My insurance won't cover Crestor but I will buy them in Canada if I have to.
Brief Answer:
Triglycerides
Detailed Answer:
I understand what you are saying.
In your medical history I see you have mentioned type 1 diabetes. That appears to be a typo. Kindly correct me if that is not the case.
Because if you have type 1 diabetes then you must be on multiple injections of insulin daily.
There are at least 7 conditions that can potentially elevate the triglycerides in your case. Addressing these may obviate the need to try something else.
1 Poorly controlled Diabetes
Regardless of the type of diabetes, the fact is that when diabetes is not well controlled the triglycerides rise. With better control in the range of 6.5 % to 7 % they are expected to improve.
2 Undertreated hypothyroidism
If the TSH elevated above normal then taking the optimal levothroid dose will help the triglycerides too
3 Kidney function
If the creatinine is abnormal then triglycerides rise as well
4 Estradiol
This can very well cause an increase in triglyceride levels
5 Alcohol
Do you consume significant amount of alcohol?
6 Obesity/overweight and high carbohydrate diet
Are known to be associated with high triglycerides
7 HCTZ
I also see you are on HCTZ. This has been very well known to induce triglyceride elevations. Check with your doctor if this can be replaced with another medication that can control BP but wont affect triglycerides
Triglycerides
Detailed Answer:
I understand what you are saying.
In your medical history I see you have mentioned type 1 diabetes. That appears to be a typo. Kindly correct me if that is not the case.
Because if you have type 1 diabetes then you must be on multiple injections of insulin daily.
There are at least 7 conditions that can potentially elevate the triglycerides in your case. Addressing these may obviate the need to try something else.
1 Poorly controlled Diabetes
Regardless of the type of diabetes, the fact is that when diabetes is not well controlled the triglycerides rise. With better control in the range of 6.5 % to 7 % they are expected to improve.
2 Undertreated hypothyroidism
If the TSH elevated above normal then taking the optimal levothroid dose will help the triglycerides too
3 Kidney function
If the creatinine is abnormal then triglycerides rise as well
4 Estradiol
This can very well cause an increase in triglyceride levels
5 Alcohol
Do you consume significant amount of alcohol?
6 Obesity/overweight and high carbohydrate diet
Are known to be associated with high triglycerides
7 HCTZ
I also see you are on HCTZ. This has been very well known to induce triglyceride elevations. Check with your doctor if this can be replaced with another medication that can control BP but wont affect triglycerides
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
