Article

Benefits of statins outweigh diabetes risk

The benefits of taking statins are greater than the increased risk of developing diabetes experienced by some patients, new findings show.

A study has found that, although statins increased the likelihood of developing diabetes in patients already at risk of the condition, these people were still 39 percent less likely to develop cardiovascular disease while taking the drug.

Patients who were not already at risk of developing diabetes experienced a 52 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease when taking statins, and had no increase in diabetes risk.

Our Senior Cardiac Nurse, Judy O'Sullivan, said:  “As with all drugs, statins bring both benefits and side effects. But statins can save lives.

“This analysis confirms that the benefits of taking statins far outweigh the side effects for the majority of people who need to take them, including those at increased risk of developing diabetes.

“If you’ve been prescribed statins, you should continue to take them. If you have any concerns about your medication, make sure you speak to your doctor.”

This study was published online in The Lancet.

Our recent Just Like That campaign, featuring comedy legend Tommy Cooper, urges people to always take their medication as prescribed. Anyone struggling with their medication can call our qualified nurses on 0300 333 1 333.