Users

Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin

ATC Code: C10AA05

Simvastatin

ATC Code: C10AA01

Lovastatin

ATC Code: C10AA02

Pravastatin

ATC Code: C10AA03

Warning

Statin use is accompanied by a small but measurable risk for developing diabetes, according to a meta-analysis released online by the Lancet. Analysts, using data from 13 randomized trials comprising some 90,000 subjects, found a 9% increase in diabetes risk among those receiving statins compared with controls. Adjustments for BMI and change in LDL cholesterol did not affect the results substantially. However, the statin-diabetes association was stronger with increasing age. The authors say the association may stem from residual confounding factors, such as improved survival with statin therapy. The authors calculate that 255 patients would have to be treated with statins for 4 years to produce an additional case of diabetes. They say that this small absolute risk "is outweighed by cardiovascular benefit in the short and medium term." A commentator concludes that "it seems reasonable to add glucose to the list of tests to monitor in older patients who are on statins."

Evidence

Good

Reference