Abstract

INCREASED RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS ON STATIN USAGE

Meenaz Asfin*

ABSTRACT

The 3-HMG coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, statins, are widely used to lower serum cholesterol levels in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. As type 2 diabetes mellitus is accompanied by dyslipidemia, statins have a major role in preventing the long term complications in diabetes and are recommended for diabetics with normal low density lipoprotein levels as well. In the recent years, many studies have been conducted which has shown that statins have potential diabetogenic activity. Statins cannot be avoided or stopped as they are very important in treating patients with cardiovascular ailments. Most of the investigators are of the opinion that the risk of diabetes with statins can be outweighed by the long term benefits in preventing complications. Various mechanisms for this effect has been proposed and one of them is down regulation of glucose transporters by the statins. In elderly, those with metabolic syndrome and female patients, statins should be used cautiously as in elderly patients the risk of diabetes is increased and many studies has shown that women are more prone to develop diabetes after taking statins when compared to men.

Keywords: cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, statins, type 2 diabetes.