Australian researchers at the University of Queensland estimate that women over the age of 75 who take statins to lower cholesterol can have a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes.
Dr Mark Jones, principal author of this study, says statins are heavily prescribed for patients in this age group, but there are few clinical trials looking at how drugs affect older people, especially women. “The vast majority of research is carried out in men between the ages of 40 and 70” he notes.
A risk that increases by 50% in some women
After following a group of 8,000 women aged 75 and over, the Australian study concludes that those who take statins have a 33% higher risk of being diagnosed with new-onset diabetes than those who don’t. not take. A risk that increases by 50% in women who take the highest doses of drugs.
There are several drugs that help regulate cholesterol but statins are the most prescribed because they prevent cardiovascular disease risks. They are nevertheless controversial because they are associated with many side effects.
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