‘Significantly higher rates of diabetes’ shown with statin therapy

Statins have been in use as a way to treat high cholesterol for years. However, in the past, scientists have become concerned that their use could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.This wasn’t always the case, until the early 2000s, the theory was that they could reduce the risk of the condition developing.However, this was turned on its head after a 2008 trial in which adults who were given 20 milligrams of a statin known as rosuvastatin each day were found to have an increased risk of diabetes.Speaking to the New York Times, Dr Jill Crandall of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine said before this 2008 study that ‘there was a sense that maybe statins would reduce the risk of diabetes. In the end, we saw something completely different’.READ MORE: Avoid four types of drinks to lower risk of blood clots – nutritionist Statins could increase your risk of diabetes. (Image: Getty Images)This mid-noughties study was not the last of its kind, and in subsequent published works, the link has been seen again.Both studies in animals and clinical trials in people have suggested that statins could increase someone’s risk of diabetes by making them more resistant to insulin, the hormone which helps to regulate glucose levels in the blood.According to Dr Savitha Subramanian, the link is most often seen in patients taking ‘moderate to high intensity doses’ e.g., 40 to 80 milligrams a day of atorvastatin in the case of this medication.The increased risk of diabetes is also reflected in a 2017 study which looked at the link between the medication and the condition.DON’T MISSMan, 51, damages liver from overeating breakfast cereal – hidden risk [LIVER DISEASE]95% of heart attack survivors report two symptoms 1 month prior [HEART ATTACK]Doctor issues warning about the symptoms of long Covid in children [LONG COVID] Researchers have consistently seen the risk of diabetes rise for those taking statins. (Image: Getty Images) Symptoms of diabetes to spot (Image: Daily Express)Type 2 diabetes can increase someone’s risk of a range of conditions, including:• Heart disease• Stroke• Nerve damage• Foot problems• Vision loss and blindness• Miscarriage and stillbirth• Kidney problems• Sexual problems.The NHS adds: ‘You should have your cholesterol (blood fats) and blood pressure checked at least once a year.’Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, so it’s important that high blood pressure and high cholesterol are spotted and treated early.”Controlling your blood sugar level and having regular diabetes check-ups is the best way to lower your risk of complications.’