Statins can cause a slight increase in blood sugar levels, which could mean that people who take statins and are already at high risk for diabetes may develop diabetes sooner. , found in a comprehensive new review.
Statins reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, saving thousands of lives.
However, cholesterol-lowering drugs can have side effects and should not be taken lightly.
A new meta-analysis published in Lancet Diabetes and EndocrinologyThis study builds on previous research linking statin use to increased blood sugar levels and diabetes risk.
This new study sought to find out more about how statins increase people’s risk of developing diabetes, and how much the risk increases in different types of people. The study also sought to find out whether statins increase blood sugar levels in people who already have diabetes.
Participants who received high doses of statins had a 36 percent higher risk of diabetes
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To answer these questions, researchers analyzed millions of pieces of data from thousands of participants in 23 large randomized clinical trials of statin treatments.
The researchers presented data from 19 large randomized double-blind trials comparing statins with placebo and four randomized double-blind trials comparing high-intensity statins with low-intensity statins. A total of 154,664 participants were surveyed.
By examining data from all trial participants, researchers were able to determine variations in the effects of statin therapy on diabetes status in different types of people, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and background. We were able to investigate each risk. Developing diabetes.
What did they find out?
Researchers found that statin therapy causes a small increase in blood sugar (blood sugar) levels, which leads to a modest increase in the rate of new-onset diabetes diagnoses.
Participants who received lower doses of statins had a 10 percent higher risk of newly diagnosed diabetes compared to those who received a placebo. Participants who received high doses of statins had a 36 percent higher risk of diabetes compared to a placebo.
The researchers also discovered that:
- At all statin doses, the increased risk of developing new diabetes appeared to be similar for all types of people, regardless of age, sex, BMI, or blood sugar level.
- The same mechanism may cause worsening of blood sugar levels in diabetics. Participants who already had diabetes at the start of the study and who were given lower doses of statins had a 10 percent higher risk of worsening blood sugar levels, while participants who were given higher doses of statins had worse blood sugar levels. The risk of doing so was 10% higher.24% higher risk of worsening blood sugar levels
Christina Rees, Associate Professor and Emeritus Consultant in Pharmacy at Oxford University of Population Health, said: ‘This study shows a mechanism by which statin therapy may increase new cases of diabetes. “We confirmed that it was caused by a very small increase in blood sugar levels.” As a result, some people taking statins can exceed levels that are just below or just above the threshold for diagnosing diabetes. ”
research from 2017 and research from 2020 They also found that high doses and long-term use of statins may be associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Although the overall chance of developing diabetes is small, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin carry the greatest risk.
Editor’s opinion
The results of the latest meta-analysis reflect that statin use carries a risk of side effects.
However, as with all drugs, the benefits must be weighed against the risks, and most people tolerate them well.
We will wait for a consensus on this. For example, BBritish Medical Journal (BMJ) It states that statins carry a slightly increased risk of side effects in patients without a history of heart disease, but that these effects are modest compared to the treatment’s potential benefits in preventing major cardiovascular events.
Before taking statins, you should discuss the benefits and risks of statins with your doctor.
