Statins are one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the world, with millions of people taking them to lower their cholesterol levels and prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal has raised concerns about the safety of one of the main statins taken in Britain, rosuvastatin. The study suggested that rosuvastatin may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects the body’s ability to use insulin and regulate blood sugar levels.

What are statins and how do they work?

Statins are a group of medications that lower the levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in the blood by reducing its production in the liver. LDL cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries and form plaques, which can narrow or block the blood flow and cause cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack, or stroke. Statins can also reduce the levels of triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Statins are usually taken once a day, either in the morning or at night. They are commonly prescribed to people who have high cholesterol or other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, or family history. Statins can also be prescribed to people who have already had a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, to prevent further complications.

What are the benefits and side effects of statins?

Statins have been proven to be effective at lowering LDL cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular events. According to the National Health Service (NHS), statins can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 25%, a stroke by 21%, and death from any cause by 12%. Statins can also improve the function of the blood vessels and reduce inflammation.

However, like any medication, statins may have some side effects. Some of the common side effects include headache, nausea, indigestion, muscle pain, weakness, or liver damage. Some people may also have an allergic reaction to statins, which can cause rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. In rare cases, statins may cause a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney failure.

Most of these side effects are mild and temporary, and they usually go away after stopping or changing the dose of statins. However, some people may need to stop taking statins altogether if they have severe or persistent side effects. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before starting or stopping statins, and to report any unusual symptoms that you may experience while taking them.

What is type 2 diabetes and why is it called a silent killer?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to use insulin and regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells in the body to take up glucose (sugar) from the blood and use it for energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects, glucose accumulates in the blood and causes high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes called a silent killer because it can cause serious complications without causing noticeable symptoms. Some of these complications include kidney failure, nerve damage, blindness, heart disease, stroke, amputation, and premature death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), type 2 diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the world, affecting more than 400 million people.

Type 2 diabetes is usually caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, smoking, age, family history, ethnicity, or history of gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, balanced diet, weight management, quitting smoking, and managing stress levels.

How does rosuvastatin affect type 2 diabetes risk?

Rosuvastatin is one of the most commonly used statins in Britain, marketed under the brand name Crestor. It belongs to a class of statins called hydrophilic statins, which means that they dissolve more easily in water than in fat. Hydrophilic statins are thought to have fewer side effects on muscle tissue than lipophilic statins, which dissolve more easily in fat than in water.

However, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal suggested that rosuvastatin may have a greater impact on insulin resistance and glucose metabolism than lipophilic statins. The study compared the effects of two high-intensity statins, rosuvastatin and atorvastatin, on 4,400 patients aged over 65 with coronary artery disease. The researchers found that both statins were effective at lowering LDL cholesterol levels, but those who took rosuvastatin were 36% more likely to require diabetes medication than those who took atorvastatin.

The researchers suggested that rosuvastatin may interfere with the function of a protein called GLUT4, which is responsible for transporting glucose into the cells. By reducing the amount of GLUT4, rosuvastatin may impair the ability of the cells to take up glucose from the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. On the other hand, atorvastatin may have a less negative effect on GLUT4, or even a positive effect by increasing its expression.

The study’s authors cautioned that their findings need to be confirmed by further research with longer follow-up and larger sample size. They also noted that the benefits of statins for preventing cardiovascular events may outweigh the risks of diabetes for some patients. Therefore, they advised that patients should not stop taking their prescribed statins without consulting their doctors.

What should you do if you are taking rosuvastatin or other statins?

If you are taking rosuvastatin or other statins, you should not panic or stop taking them without talking to your doctor. Statins are widely used and generally safe medications that can lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, you should be aware of the possible side effects of statins, including the increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.

You should also maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing your stress levels. These measures can help you prevent or control type 2 diabetes, as well as improve your cardiovascular health. You should also follow your doctor’s advice on how to take statins properly, such as avoiding grapefruit juice, which can interact with some statins and increase their effects or side effects.

If you have any questions or concerns about statins or type 2 diabetes, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you understand the benefits and risks of statins, and advise you on the best treatment option for you.

Reference:

• Rosuvastatin versus atorvastatin in older patients with established coronary artery disease: a randomized trial
• Statins could be linked to increased risk of silent killer, study suggests – Mirror Online