The benefits of statins for lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular accidents outweigh the risk of developing diabetes, according to the new ANSM report.
Used since the 1980s in France, statins are used to reduce the level of LDL-cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol” in the blood. Five statins are currently marketed: pravastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin.
But, in 2012, several meta-analyzes highlighted an effect diabetogenic of this type of medication. Consequently, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the American Agency FDA (Food and Drug Administration) have modified the characteristics of these products and their instructions to warn patients of the risk of developing diabetes with this type of treatment.
This risk during statin treatment is particularly favored by a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg / m², a history of arterial hypertension, a fasting blood sugar level (sugar level) greater than 5.6 mmol / L and an increase in triglycerides.
Statins still recommended for lowering cholesterol
“This increase in the occurrence of type 2 diabetes does not call into question the benefit-risk ratio of statins in the prevention of cardiovascular complications in at-risk subjects, diabetics or non-diabetics at the initiation of treatment” states the Agency. in his report.
Because, a high level of bad cholesterol in the blood is associated with an increased risk of heart disease (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction) andstroke(stroke). “All statins combined, the treatment reduces the risk of a cardiovascular event by 15 to 23% and the risk of early mortality by 10% from all causes,” recalls the Agency.
It thus confirms the position of the EMA and the FDA who declared that “this increase in the risk of developing diabetes from 9 to 15% is not likely to call into question the benefit / risk ratio of this therapeutic class which remains positive in cardiovascular prevention according to the indications defined for each of these statins ”.
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