If your blood sugar crept up after starting a statin, this may be why (and what you can do)
If you started a statin and noticed your fasting glucose or A1C nudging upward, you’re not imagining it. A 2023 Cell Metabolism study reported that statins can aggravate insulin resistance by lowering GLP-1 (a gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar) in a microbiota-dependent manner. The same paper found that the bile acids UDCA/TUDCA can restore GLP-1 function and improve insulin resistance and blood sugars. In this article, I’ll explain what that means in plain English, share how I’ve approached it over 10 years working in metabolic health, and give you a safe, practical plan you can discuss with your clinician—plus a vetted product pick for those who want to try a TUDCA supplement.
I’ll also link you to Dr. Nick Norwitz’s accessible video breakdown of the statin–GLP-1 connection so you can see the story from another expert voice.
- Cell Metabolism study: Statins, GLP‑1, and microbiota; UDCA/TUDCA rescue GLP‑1 signaling (ScienceDirect link provided by you)
- Dr. Nick Norwitz’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NomrgjK1yQ&t=201s
- Affiliate option: A well-reviewed TUDCA supplement on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fUii13
Note: This is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes, especially if you’re on prescription medications.
What the new research is showing: Statins, the gut, and GLP‑1
GLP‑1 (glucagon‑like peptide‑1) is a hormone your gut releases after meals. It helps your pancreas release insulin appropriately, blunts excess glucagon, slows stomach emptying, and generally keeps post‑meal blood sugars in check. It’s why GLP‑1 medications (like semaglutide) can be so effective.
The 2023 Cell Metabolism paper you referenced (ScienceDirect link) adds an important piece: statins can lower blood GLP‑1 levels, which may worsen insulin resistance in a microbiota‑dependent way. Translation:
- Some individuals on statins experience a shift in their gut microbiome.
- That shift appears to reduce GLP‑1 availability.
- Lower GLP‑1 can make insulin work less effectively, leading to higher glucose.
Crucially, the authors reported that UDCA/TUDCA (bile acids) can rescue GLP‑1 signaling and improve insulin resistance and glycemic measures. This lines up with earlier work showing bile acids engage receptors such as TGR5 and FXR, which influence GLP‑1 secretion and metabolic flexibility. It’s a compelling mechanism that connects the liver–gut axis to everyday glucose control.
If you prefer a video explanation, watch Dr. Nick Norwitz’s clear overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NomrgjK1yQ&t=201s
Meet UDCA/TUDCA: What they are and why they matter
UDCA (ursodeoxycholic acid) is a bile acid used clinically (as ursodiol) for certain liver conditions. TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is UDCA bound to taurine—this conjugated form is well‑studied for:
- Supporting bile flow and fat digestion
- Modulating gut microbiota composition
- Activating bile acid receptors (TGR5/FXR) that influence GLP‑1 secretion
- Reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress, which is linked to insulin resistance
- Supporting healthy liver enzymes in some contexts
The Cell Metabolism findings suggest that in the specific case of statin‑related GLP‑1 reduction, UDCA/TUDCA may help restore GLP‑1 function and improve insulin resistance. In practice, I’ve found that when someone on a statin notes rising fasting glucose, adding a TUDCA supplement alongside dietary strategies can be a reasonable, clinician‑approved experiment.
Who might consider TUDCA (and who should not)
You might be a candidate to discuss TUDCA with your healthcare provider if you:
- Started a statin and then noticed:
- Fasting glucose creeping up (e.g., 85 → 97 mg/dL)
- A1C rising from, say, 5.4% to 5.8–6.0%
- More frequent post‑meal spikes on a CGM
- Have insulin resistance, prediabetes, or fatty liver, and your clinician believes bile acid support may help
- Experience digestive issues with fats (suggestive of sluggish bile flow), though many factors can cause this
You should avoid or be extra cautious if you:
- Have gallstones, biliary obstruction, or unexplained right‑upper‑quadrant pain—get medical evaluation first
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine), which bind bile acids—these can reduce TUDCA’s effectiveness
- Are on complex medication regimens (GLP‑1 agonists, insulin, sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors) where any change in insulin sensitivity could require dose adjustments—coordinate with your prescriber
How I’d approach this in practice: A simple, 4‑week plan
Here’s a common, conservative protocol I discuss with clinicians and clients. It’s not a prescription—use it as a conversation starter with your provider.
- Baseline data (Week 0)
- Record 7 days of:
- Fasting glucose (or CGM metrics)
- Post‑meal peaks for your “usual” breakfast and dinner
- Any digestion notes (bloating, greasy stools, upper abdominal discomfort)
- Note current meds, supplements, and lifestyle patterns (sleep, steps, fiber/protein intake)
- Start low, go steady (Weeks 1–2)
- TUDCA Supplement: 250 mg once daily with your largest meal. If well‑tolerated after 5–7 days, consider 250 mg twice daily, taken with meals.
- Dietary pairings that support GLP‑1:
- Protein‑forward breakfast (e.g., eggs + Greek yogurt or tofu scramble)
- 1–2 tbsp chia/flax or 1 tsp psyllium with meals for soluble fiber
- Half plate non‑starchy vegetables at lunch/dinner
- Hydration: 2–3 liters/day (bile flow likes water)
- Movement: a 10–15 minute post‑meal walk to blunt glucose spikes
- Reassess (End of Week 2)
- Compare fasting glucose, typical post‑meal peaks, digestion
- If trending positively and tolerated, you can continue as‑is. If neutral, consider:
- Timing: split dosing with lunch and dinner
- Meal composition tweaks (more protein/soluble fiber; reduce ultra‑refined carbs)
- If you see worsening or side effects, stop and consult your clinician.
- Consolidate and personalize (Weeks 3–4)
- Keep the dose you tolerate (often 250–500 mg/day total)
- Lock in two consistent meals that produce stable glucose for you
- Track energy, appetite, and any GI changes
- Discuss with your provider whether to continue beyond 4 weeks or cycle it
For convenience, here’s an option many people choose: a quality TUDCA supplement available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fUii13
Note: In my experience, people often report the first noticeable changes in 1–3 weeks—improved post‑meal curves and slightly smoother digestion with fatty meals—rather than dramatic overnight shifts.
What to look for in a quality TUDCA Supplement
Not all products are equal. My checklist:
- cGMP manufacturing in the U.S. or an equivalent standard
- Third‑party testing for purity and heavy metals
- Transparent labeling with TUDCA per capsule (commonly 250 mg)
- Clean excipients (avoid unnecessary fillers)
- Solid reviews from verified purchasers (look for specifics: digestion comfort, consistency, no off‑smells)
The product linked here fits these criteria: https://amzn.to/4fUii13
Using the exact phrase, people often search for a “TUDCA supplement,” so if you’re comparing options, keep those checklist items in mind.
Safety, interactions, and expectations
Common experiences
- Generally well‑tolerated when taken with meals
- Occasionally mild GI changes early on (looser stools) that settle with consistent dosing and proper hydration
Potential interactions and cautions
- Bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine) can bind bile acids—separate by several hours or discuss alternatives
- If you’re on insulin or insulin‑secretagogues, improved insulin sensitivity could increase the risk of low blood sugar. Monitor closely and coordinate with your prescriber.
- Gallbladder disease history warrants a conversation with your clinician before you start
Realistic expectations
- TUDCA supplement is not a GLP‑1 drug and won’t mimic those effects. Think of it as a gut–liver support that may nudge GLP‑1 and insulin sensitivity in a favorable direction—particularly relevant if your GLP‑1 dropped after starting a statin.
- It’s most effective as part of a bigger plan: protein‑forward meals, soluble fiber, daily movement, stress and sleep management.
Personal insights from the field
Over the last decade, a pattern has stood out in my practice: a subset of people on statins see mild but persistent increases in fasting glucose and post‑meal peaks, even when diet and exercise haven’t changed. When we rule out other factors (sleep debt, new stress, travel, hidden snacking), a short trial of TUDCA supplement—paired with foundational habits—often stabilizes things.
Two anonymized examples:
- A 58‑year‑old on a moderate‑intensity statin saw fasting glucose drift from 92 to 102 mg/dL over six months. We tracked two “problem” meals with CGM and saw 40–50 mg/dL spikes. After two weeks of 250 mg TUDCA with dinner (and a protein‑first breakfast shift), the post‑meal peaks dropped by ~15–20 mg/dL, and fasting returned to 95–97. He felt less “post‑meal haze,” which kept him consistent.
- A 46‑year‑old woman with prediabetes and fatty liver, also on a statin, had digestive heaviness after richer dinners. We combined 250 mg TUDCA with dinner, 1 tsp psyllium at lunch, and a brisk 12‑minute post‑meal walk. Within three weeks, she reported easier digestion and a 0.2% A1C improvement on her next check (3 months later). She also lost 4 lbs, likely because GLP‑1‑friendly meals kept her fuller.
These are not guarantees, just honest snapshots of what I’ve seen when the right basics are dialed in.
Complementary strategies if you’d rather start without supplements
If you prefer to focus on habits first, these levers support GLP‑1 and insulin sensitivity:
- Protein‑first breakfast (30–40 g): keeps GLP‑1 higher and reduces late‑day cravings
- Soluble fiber with meals: chia, flax, psyllium, or legumes blunt post‑meal glucose
- Vinegar (1 tbsp in water) right before carb‑heavier meals: modestly flattens glucose curves for some people
- Post‑meal movement: 10–15 minutes lowers glucose peaks surprisingly well
- Evening carbs earlier: finish dinner 3–4 hours before bed to improve overnight glucose
- Sleep: even one poor night can worsen insulin sensitivity the next day
If you add supplementation later, you’ve already built a strong base—making it easier to see whether the TUDCA supplement adds value.
A quick word on “statins vs. glucose” choices
Statins can be life‑saving for cardiovascular risk reduction. If you suspect they’re nudging your glucose upward, don’t abandon them on your own. Instead, talk to your clinician about:
- Dose adjustments or switching to a different statin
- Adding lifestyle and nutritional strategies (as above)
- Considering supportive options like TUDCA supplement, with close monitoring
- Tracking with a CGM for a month to see the pattern clearly
I’ve seen many people keep the heart benefits of statins while protecting metabolic health—no drastic moves required.
Want a clear visual explainer?
Dr. Nick Norwitz summarizes the statin–GLP‑1 story and where bile acids like UDCA/TUDCA fit. It’s a great complement to this article:
Conclusion
If your blood sugar control changed after starting a statin, the new evidence offers a credible explanation and a practical path forward. Supporting the gut–liver axis with diet, movement, and (if appropriate) a TUDCA supplement may help restore healthier GLP‑1 signaling and improve insulin sensitivity.
Next steps you can take today:
- Track a week of fasting and post‑meal glucose
- Tighten one meal at a time: protein‑first, add soluble fiber, take a short post‑meal walk
- If you and your clinician agree to try it, consider a well‑reviewed TUDCA supplement with meals:
- Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4fUii13
Consistency for 3–4 weeks beats perfection. Give your body a fair trial window, observe, and adjust with your healthcare provider.
Quick summary and action plan
- The issue: Statins may reduce GLP‑1 via microbiota shifts, contributing to insulin resistance.
- The opportunity: UDCA/TUDCA has been shown to restore GLP‑1 signaling and improve glycemic measures.
- What to do:
- Establish baseline glucose/digestion for 7 days.
- Optimize meals (protein + soluble fiber) and add a 10–15 minute post‑meal walk.
- If appropriate, start 250 mg TUDCA with your largest meal for 1–2 weeks; consider 250 mg twice daily if tolerated.
- Reassess at 2 and 4 weeks; coordinate with your clinician.
- Product pick: A vetted TUDCA supplement on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fUii13
- Learn more: Dr. Nick Norwitz’s video on statins, GLP‑1, and bile acids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NomrgjK1yQ&t=201s
To satisfy common searches and clarity: a TUDCA supplement can be a smart, targeted tool within a broader metabolic plan—but it works best when the basics are in place.
FAQs
1) How fast might I notice changes with TUDCA?
Many notice subtle improvements in 1–3 weeks—smoother post‑meal curves or easier digestion of fatty meals. Significant changes in A1C take longer (8–12 weeks) since A1C reflects 2–3 months of glucose history. Keep expectations realistic and track objective numbers.
2) Can I take TUDCA with a statin, metformin, or a GLP‑1 medication?
Often yes, but coordinate with your prescriber. If TUDCA nudges insulin sensitivity upward, your medication needs might change slightly. If you use bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine), separate dosing by several hours or discuss alternatives—those drugs can bind bile acids and blunt TUDCA’s effect.
3) What dose is typical, and should I cycle it?
Common practice is 250–500 mg/day with meals. Some people use it continuously; others cycle 8–12 weeks on, then reassess. I recommend a data‑driven approach: run a 4‑week trial with tracking, review results with your clinician, and decide on an ongoing plan. If you continue, recheck labs (A1C, fasting glucose, liver enzymes) as advised by your provider.