Another Study Ties Statins to T2D: Should Practice Change?

Statin Use and Diabetes Link: There's a small but noted increased risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) associated with statin use, which has been observed over more than a decade of studies.

FDA Warning and Cardiovascular Benefits: Despite a 2012 FDA warning about the increased risk of high blood glucose and A1c levels with statins, the cardiovascular benefits of these drugs are still considered to outweigh the risks of diabetes.

Clinical Guidelines and Recommendations: Current clinical guidelines and expert opinions continue to support the use of statins in preventing cardiovascular events, suggesting that the risk of diabetes should not deter clinicians from prescribing these medications when indicated.

Rosuvastatin vs Atorvastatin: The LODESTAR trial indicated that among patients with coronary artery disease, those taking rosuvastatin had a higher incidence of new-onset T2D compared to those taking atorvastatin.

Need for Further Research: The article underscores the need for more research to address questions about the reversibility of statin-associated diabetes and whether intermittent use could minimize the risk while still providing cardiovascular benefits.