Statin Induced New-onset Diabetes Mellitus - A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Statins are primary agents for lowering LDL cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular events.
• Emerging evidence links statin therapy to an increased risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM).
• This risk is more pronounced in individuals with pre-existing metabolic risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between statin use and NODM.
• To explore the underlying biological mechanisms of statin-induced diabetes.
• To compare the diabetogenic potential of different statins and doses.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of current scientific literature.
• Analysis of epidemiological studies and clinical trial data.
• Evaluation of proposed pathophysiological mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Statin use is associated with a modest but consistent increase in NODM risk.
• High-intensity statins (e.g., atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) show a greater diabetogenic effect than lower-intensity statins.
• Risk is elevated in patients with prediabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions:

• The cardiovascular benefits of statins generally outweigh the increased risk of NODM.
• Clinical practice should consider individual patient risk factors when prescribing statins.
• Further research into personalized statin therapy and risk mitigation strategies is warranted.