Statins and Diabetes Link: Uncovering the Relationship
High cholesterol is a serious health concern that can lead to dangerous and life-threatening heart events such as blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. For individuals with very high LDL cholesterol and atherosclerosis, high-intensity statins are typically prescribed as they are at a greater risk for serious heart disease.
However, it's important to be aware that high-intensity statins may interfere with the body's use of insulin, leading to high blood sugar and, over time, diabetes. According to preventive cardiologist Vikas Sunder, MD, the risk of living with untreated high cholesterol is far worse than the risk of potentially developing diabetes as a result of taking statins.
The specific diabetes risk factors associated with high-intensity statin use include pre-existing prediabetes, older age (particularly over 75 years), higher body mass index (BMI), especially ≥35 kg/m² (obesity), metabolic syndrome, female sex and history of cigarette smoking, and traditional diabetes risk factors unmasked by statin therapy.
High-intensity statins may cause a modest but clinically meaningful worsening in glycemic control, measured by increased HbA1c, especially in the short term (1–3 months after therapy starts). This risk appears to diminish over time but is significant enough to warrant monitoring.
In guidelines, high-intensity statins are reserved for diabetic individuals with higher cardiovascular risk, such as those older than 50 years or those with multiple risk factors. Lower dosages of statin formulations other than Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin may not carry as much risk for developing diabetes.
It's crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle while taking statins. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising at least 150 minutes per week, and getting enough sleep can help lower the risk for diabetes and other conditions.
Remember, statins save lives and it's important to continue the treatment as prescribed. In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved changes in the labeling of high-intensity statins to include a warning about the risk of raised blood sugar. Study after study has confirmed that taking statins reduces the risk of these serious heart events.
If you have concerns about how statins may affect your well-being, it's important to discuss any side effects or risks with a healthcare provider. A healthy lifestyle can help ensure that the risk of taking statins is properly balanced with the rewards of these lifesaving medications.
In the United States, an estimated 92 million people use statins for high cholesterol. With proper management and awareness, the benefits of this treatment far outweigh the potential risks.
