Statins: the benefit outweighs the risk of diabetes

Statins remain safe, despite a slight risk of diabetes. In an information point, the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) summarizes the conclusions of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which has carried out an update of knowledge on these medicines that reduce cholesterol.

Updating notices

Statins have been marketed in France since the 1980s. Five types are currently available on the market: pravastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin. Several meta-analyzes have suggested that this treatment increases the risk of diabetes by 9 to 15%. A genetic study has even established a direct link with the action of statins, which inhibit a key enzyme in cholesterol. It would also increase blood sugar.

The European Medicines Agency and the US Medicines Safety Agency (FDA) have taken note of these studies. Product specifications and leaflets for drugs containing a statin have been updated, and mention a risk of diabetes in patients at risk. “In some patients at high risk of developing diabetes, statins may cause hyperglycaemia requiring the initiation of anti-diabetic therapy,” the package leaflets now indicate.

Efficiency that remains demonstrated

“This increase in the occurrence of type 2 diabetes does not call into question the benefit / risk ratio of this therapeutic class in the prevention of cardiovascular complications in at-risk subjects, diabetics or non-diabetics at the initiation of treatment”, specifies ANSM on its site. The Agency points out that the effectiveness of statins has been demonstrated in numerous high-quality studies. They reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event by 15 to 23%, and the risk of all-cause mortality by 10%.

The occurrence of diabetes during statin treatment is favored by several factors, reminds the ANSM: a fasting blood sugar level greater than 5.6 mmol / L, a BMI greater than 30, a high level of triglycerides and history of high blood pressure.