A research paper, published in JAMA International Medicine, detailed the effects of statin treatment and diabetes progression in those with the health condition. The large retrospective cohort study included 83,022 matched pairs of statin users and non-users. Measurements of high blood sugar registered higher in those who were taking statins than those who were not in the 12-year analysis.
Such a finding suggests that patients with diabetes who used statins experienced less control of their diabetes than patients who did not take statins.
In an overview of the research, Pharmacy News noted three conclusions.
Firstly, “individuals who had diabetes and were prescribed statins had a higher chance of insulin treatment initiation”.
Secondly, diabetics taking statin treatments “were more likely to develop significant hyperglycaemia and experience acute glycemic complications”.
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And, thirdly, those same patients were “more likely to be prescribed extra glucose-lowering medications, according to the study results”.
What is hyperglycaemia?
NHS experts explained that hyperglycaemia describes high blood sugar, which can lead to the following symptoms:
Increased thirst and a dry mouth
Needing to pee frequently
Tiredness
Blurred vision
Unintentional weight loss
Recurrent infections, such as thrush, bladder infections (cystitis) and skin infections
Tummy pain
Feeling or being sick
Breath that smells fruity.
In the study, diabetes progression was 37 percent more in those who took statins compared to those who did not.
Commenting on the results was Kristi Kelley, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, a clinical professor at Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy in Alabama.
And, thirdly, those same patients were “more likely to be prescribed extra glucose-lowering medications, according to the study results”.
What is hyperglycaemia?
NHS experts explained that hyperglycaemia describes high blood sugar, which can lead to the following symptoms:
- Increased thirst and a dry mouth
- Needing to pee frequently
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Unintentional weight loss
- Recurrent infections, such as thrush, bladder infections (cystitis) and skin infections
- Tummy pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Breath that smells fruity.
In the study, diabetes progression was 37 percent more in those who took statins compared to those who did not.
Commenting on the results was Kristi Kelley, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, a clinical professor at Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy in Alabama.
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“This is because having diabetes increases the risk of heart diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.”
For support over the telephone about diabetes and statins, you can call Diabetes UK’s helpline on 0345 123 2399.
Alternatively, you can contact the charity on [email protected].