Dear NP

Dear NP,

“In a recent column, you discussed how to lower cholesterol levels without taking medications. Please talk about the long-term side effects of taking statins, such as the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and memory loss/confusion.”

Dear Reader,

Statins are a class of medications often prescribed to lower cholesterol levels when diet and exercise alone have not been successful. These medications are safe for most people, but they have been linked to some side effects.

One of the most common side effects experienced by those taking statins is muscle pain. This pain is often...