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| - Last Updated on November 8, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that higher cholesterol levels are good for health. We did the fact check and found out this claim is mostly false.
The Claim
An Instagram video suggests that higher cholesterol levels are better for health. The reason that they cite is because they reduce the risk of heart attacks and cancer. It also claims that modern drugs, especially cholesterol-lowering medications, increase the likelihood of developing diabetes. According to the video, painkillers are the only drugs that don’t affect blood sugar, rest all other drugs are diabetogenic.
Fact Check
Is higher cholesterol actually good for health?
No, higher cholesterol, especially the “bad” LDL cholesterol, is not good for health. Cholesterol is vital for the body, but too much of it can cause serious health problems. There are two kinds of cholesterol: bad (low-density lipoprotein or LDL) and good (high-density lipoprotein or HDL). High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues. In contrast, higher levels of HDL cholesterol are beneficial as they help remove excess cholesterol from the blood, lowering the risk of heart problems.
The claim that high cholesterol levels lower the risk of heart attacks or cancer is misleading. On the contrary, research has shown that high LDL cholesterol is a key factor in developing heart disease. While some studies have looked at the relationship between cholesterol and cancer, there is no conclusive evidence suggesting that higher cholesterol protects against cancer or improves longevity. In fact, high cholesterol may increase the risk of certain cancers, such as prostate cancer.
Expert Opinion
We reached out to Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, for an expert take on whether cholesterol is good or bad. She says, “Cholesterol is actually important for our body. It helps produce hormones, supports cell structure, and helps in digestion. However, the type and amount of cholesterol really matter when it comes to health. We have two main types: HDL, often called ‘good cholesterol,’ which helps clear excess cholesterol from the blood, and LDL, the ‘bad cholesterol,’ which can build up and clog our arteries.”
She further states, “High levels of bad or the LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, so it’s important to keep this in check. But it’s a bit of a balancing act — we need enough cholesterol for our bodies to function, just not too much of the LDL type. So, while cholesterol itself isn’t ‘bad,’ high levels of certain types can definitely be harmful.”
Dr Fatma concludes with, “The best approach is to aim for a healthy lifestyle — eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, and get regular health check-ups to keep your cholesterol in a safe range. That way, you’re supporting your body’s needs while protecting your heart and blood vessels.”
Do cholesterol-lowering drugs cause diabetes?
Cholesterol-lowering medications, particularly statins, have been linked to a slight increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes in some studies. However, this risk is small, and for many people, the benefits of taking statins—such as reducing the risk of heart disease—far outweigh the potential diabetes risk. Statins help lower harmful LDL cholesterol, which can prevent heart attacks and strokes. If you are concerned about side effects, it’s essential to discuss them with your doctor, who can monitor your health and adjust treatment if necessary.
The claim that all modern drugs, except painkillers, cause diabetes is inaccurate. While some medications, including statins, may affect blood sugar, other drugs can have similar effects. For example, corticosteroids (a type of pain and inflammation reliever) can raise blood sugar levels if used long-term. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider about the medications you take and their potential side effects.
Expert Opinion
We interviewed Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician, Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, for his perspective on statins and diabetes. He says, “Statins, which are the most widely used cholesterol-lowering drugs, have been shown in some studies to slightly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially in those who are already at higher risk. However, this risk is generally low and tends to be outweighed by the benefits statins provide in preventing heart attacks and strokes. Statins reduce cholesterol levels, which helps protect the heart, and that’s often a priority in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease. So, while there may be a small increased risk of diabetes, the heart-protective effects of statins make them a valuable treatment for many patients. Always discuss your personal risks and benefits with your doctor to make the best decision for your health.”
Due to claims like these, people often look for home remedies to reduce cholesterol at home. For instance, some social media posts recommend curd and jaggery for reducing bad cholesterol. However, it’s risky to underestimate conditions like high cholesterol and try to treat them with random home remedies that aren’t backed by science or the medical community.
Should we avoid cholesterol-lowering drugs because of the diabetes risk?
Not necessarily. While there is a slight risk of developing diabetes with statins, the overall benefits for people at high risk of heart disease or stroke usually outweigh the risks. Statins significantly reduce the chances of cardiovascular events, which are far more likely to shorten life expectancy than a small increase in blood sugar. If you’re concerned about the side effects, your doctor may suggest alternative treatments or lifestyle changes to manage cholesterol levels without relying solely on medication.
THIP Media Take
The claim that higher cholesterol levels are good for health is mostly false. High LDL cholesterol raises the risk of heart disease and stroke, while higher HDL cholesterol helps protect against them. Statins, although they may slightly increase the risk of diabetes, are crucial for reducing the risk of heart problems in many people. Always consult a healthcare professional to discuss cholesterol management and any concerns about medications.
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