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Current Cardiology Reports
Published in: Current Cardiology Reports 7/2018

01-07-2018 | Lipid Abnormalities and Cardiovascular Prevention (G De Backer, Section Editor)

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

Authors: A. Agarwala, S. Kulkarni, T. Maddox

Published in: Current Cardiology Reports | Issue 7/2018

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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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Metadata
Title
The Association of Statin Therapy with Incident Diabetes: Evidence, Mechanisms, and Recommendations
Authors
A. Agarwala
S. Kulkarni
T. Maddox
Publication date
01-07-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Cardiology Reports / Issue 7/2018
Print ISSN: 1523-3782
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3170
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-018-0995-6

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