Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
09:15
Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Statins are diabetogenic--myth or reality?
Naveed Sattar1, Marja-Riitta Taskinen
1Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University Of Glasgow, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK. naveed.sattar@glasgow.ac.uk
Atherosclerosis. Supplements
|July 24, 2012
Summary
Statins effectively lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. However, research suggests statins may increase the risk of developing new-onset diabetes, prompting updated safety information from the FDA.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Statins are widely used to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease.
- Despite a generally favorable safety profile, a potential link between statin use and new-onset diabetes has been debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence regarding the association between statin therapy and the risk of new-onset diabetes.
- To provide a clinical perspective on the diabetogenic effects of statins.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and observational studies.
- Assessment of glycaemia parameters and insulin levels in patients using statins.
Main Results:
- Large-scale meta-analyses indicate a potential diabetogenic effect of statins.
- Some smaller trials support these findings by showing changes in glycaemia and insulin.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests statins may increase the risk of new-onset diabetes.
- The definitive mechanism remains unclear, but the association has led to updated FDA labeling for statins.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
01:26Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood glucose levels...
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Considering cholesterol and...
01:23Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) is a serine protease widely distributed in the body. It's involved in the inactivation of GLP-1 and GIP hormones, which are crucial for insulin regulation. DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin (Januvia), saxagliptin (Onglyza), linagliptin (Tradjenta), alogliptin (Nesina), and vildagliptin (Galvus), help increase the proportion of active GLP-1, enhancing insulin secretion. These inhibitors work by competitively binding to DPP-4. This binding causes a significant...
01:24Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...