Study: Statins May Increase Men’s Diabetes Risk

Men who take statin drugs to lower cholesterol may be more likely to develop diabetes than men who don’t take the drugs, a study published this week finds. The study included 9,000 men. None had diabetes when the study began. More than 1 out of 4 men took statins. During the next 6 years, men taking statins were 46% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than other men. This was true even though researchers adjusted the numbers to account for other differences that can affect diabetes risk. The study also found that the bigger the dose of statin, the greater the increase in diabetes risk. All of the men received several blood tests. These included tests for insulin sensitivity. This is a measurement of how well the body uses insulin to turn blood glucose (sugar) into energy. In type 2 diabetes, insulin sensitivity is reduced.