September 24, 2014

expert reaction to new statins study

In an article published in the journal the Lancet, researchers have investigated the effect of statins use, a gene polymorphism, metabolic factors, and incidence of type 2 diabetes. They suggest that the polymorphism may partially explain the observation of an increased risk of type 2 diabetes through statins use.

Professor Colin Baigent, Deputy Director at the Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit, University of Oxford, said:

“Statins have previously been shown to cause a small increase in the risk of developing diabetes, and this study provides some clues about the biological mechanism by which this occurs. But although it is helpful to understand mechanisms, this research does not change our assessment of the safety of statins. The magnitude of the benefits of statins arising from the prevention of heart attacks and strokes greatly outweighs any small risks of diabetes, so the current recommendations for statin use remain appropriate.”

Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the BHF, which helped fund the study, said:

“Statins offer substantial protection from coronary heart disease. This rigorous and extensive study looked at why people taking them have a small increased risk of diabetes.

“The researchers found a direct relationship between how statins reduce cholesterol production and small increases in weight gain and blood sugar. This could explain the slightly increased risk of diabetes – a risk that could be reduced through lifestyle changes.

“This study should reassure people that the benefits of taking statins far outweigh the small effect on diabetes risk. But the results also reinforce that, alongside prescribed medication, taking steps to maintain a healthy weight is essential to stay heart healthy.”

Professor Tom Sanders, Honorary Nutritional Director of HEART UK, said:

“Statin treatment seems to result in a small weight gain and increase blood glucose resulting in an increased diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Advice to maintaining a healthy weight and physical activity, which are key to preventing type 2 diabetes, should accompany the prescription of statins.”

“HMG-coenzyme A reductase inhibition, type 2 diabetes, and bodyweight: evidence from genetic analysis and randomised trials” by Daniel I. Swerdlow et al., published in the Lancet on Wednesday 24th September 2014.

All our previous output on this subject can be seen at this weblink: http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/?s=statins&cat

Declared interests

None declared