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The Association of Statin Therapy with Incident Diabetes: Evidence, Mechanisms, and Recommendations

  • Lipid Abnormalities and Cardiovascular Prevention (G De Backer, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent studies have demonstrated a higher risk of incident diabetes associated with statin use, causing concern among patients and clinicians. In this review, we will assess the evidence and proposed mechanisms behind statin therapy and its association with incident diabetes. We will then review the current recommendations for statin use in light of this association and suggest next steps for clinicians managing these patients and researchers exploring this phenomenon.

Recent Findings

The annual risk of developing new-onset diabetes with statin treatment is approximately 0.1%. In comparison, the absolute risk reduction of major coronary events with statin use is approximately 0.42% annually.

Summary

Statins are associated with the development of incident diabetes, particularly among those with predisposing risk factors for diabetes. However, the benefit of statin use among these patients in preventing major coronary events strongly favors statin use despite its risk of incident diabetes.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, Campus Box 8086, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA

    A. Agarwala & T. Maddox

  2. Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, USA

    S. Kulkarni

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  1. A. Agarwala
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A. Agarwala, S. Kulkarni, and T. Maddox declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Lipid Abnormalities and Cardiovascular Prevention

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Agarwala, A., Kulkarni, S. & Maddox, T. The Association of Statin Therapy with Incident Diabetes: Evidence, Mechanisms, and Recommendations. Curr Cardiol Rep 20, 50 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-018-0995-6

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