Statin use linked to diabetes progression: JAMA

USA: A recent study in the JAMA Internal Medicine found statin use to be associated with diabetes progression -- statin users had a greater likelihood of significant hyperglycemia, insulin treatment initiation, an increased number of prescriptions for glucose-lowering medication classes, and acute glycemic complications. 

For primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 2 diabetes patients aged 40 to 75 years and having a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level of 70 mg/dL or greater, guidelines have recommended statin therapy. Statin use has been associated with higher blood glucose levels and increased insulin resistance. However, its clinical implications for diabetes control among patients with diabetes is unknown. 

To fill this knowledge gap, Ishak A. Mansi, Department of Medicine, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, and colleagues aimed to assess diabetes progression after initiation of statin use in diabetes patients in a retrospective matched cohort study. 

The study included patients aged 30 years or older; had been diagnosed with diabetes during the study period; and were regular users of the Veterans Affairs health system, with records of demographic information, clinical encounters, vital signs, laboratory data, and medication usage.