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Published on: January 7, 2018

Atorvastatin causes insulin resistance and increases ambient glycemia in hypercholesterolemic patients

Kwang Kon Koh1, Michael J Quon2, Seung Hwan Han1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Gachon University, Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|March 20, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Atorvastatin effectively lowers LDL cholesterol but may increase insulin resistance and blood sugar levels in hypercholesterolemic patients. This study highlights potential metabolic side effects of statin therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Clinical trials indicate statins may increase diabetes incidence despite lipid-lowering benefits.
  • Understanding statin-induced metabolic changes is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of atorvastatin on insulin sensitivity and glycemia in hypercholesterolemic patients.
  • To determine if atorvastatin treatment leads to insulin resistance.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study.
  • 44 patients received placebo, and 169 received atorvastatin (10-80 mg daily) for 2 months.
  • Measurements included LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin sensitivity.

Main Results:

  • Atorvastatin significantly reduced LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B across all doses.
  • Fasting insulin and glycated hemoglobin levels increased significantly with atorvastatin treatment.
  • Insulin sensitivity decreased in a dose-dependent manner with atorvastatin therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Atorvastatin treatment leads to increased fasting insulin and glycated hemoglobin, indicating insulin resistance.
  • Despite cardiovascular benefits, potential adverse metabolic effects of atorvastatin should be considered.
  • Further research may explore strategies to mitigate statin-induced insulin resistance.

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