[Statin treatment causes an increased risk of type 2 diabetes]

Statins are important in the prevention of cardiovascular (CV) disease. However, they are associated with new-onset diabetes in a dose-dependent manner, particularly when the patient is already in risk of contracting diabetes. Meta-analyses estimate that the risk is increased by 9%. In absolute terms one major CV event can be prevented per 155 patients treated with statins per year compared to one new case of diabetes per 498 patients treated per year. However, this new evidence should not affect the guidelines, where the goal of LDL-cholesterol concentration is < 1,8 mmol/l in patients with high CV risk.