Statins, glycemia, and diabetes mellitus: another point of view

Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2014 Dec;16(12):458. doi: 10.1007/s11883-014-0458-5.

Abstract

Glycemic effects of statins have recently become a topic of heated debate. On closer inspection, however, the prevailing opinion regarding this issue may prove to be unsubstantiated. We suggest that the harmful effect of statin-induced diabetes is likely overestimated, and the consequences of the glycemic effects of statins may, theoretically, apply to a greater number of patients beyond just those with statin-induced diabetes. Most notably, though, careful consideration of the issue suggests, albeit surprisingly, that the clinical implications of the glycemic effects of statins may actually be rather limited.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / drug effects*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Diabetes Mellitus / chemically induced*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Glycemic Index
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Hypercholesterolemia / diagnosis
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors