Can statins increase diabetes risk, and should I stop them because of it?
Statins can slightly raise glucose and increase the chance of diabetes being diagnosed in some people, but risk varies. Their cardiovascular benefit may outweigh this risk when treatment is indicated. Do not stop independently; review heart risk, glucose and monitoring with your clinician.
Details
One percentage does not apply to everyone
Baseline diabetes risk, treatment intensity and cardiovascular risk influence the decision. A relative increase in a study is not the same as an individual’s absolute chance, so a single fixed percentage is misleading.
Why might treatment continue?
Statins lower cholesterol and help prevent cardiovascular events when indicated. NICE advises against stopping solely because glucose or HbA1c rises; the change should be assessed and managed within the care plan.
Practical steps
Follow suitable nutrition and activity advice and ask when glucose testing is appropriate for your risk. Report thirst, increased urination or weight change. If adverse effects occur, discuss alternatives rather than abandoning cardiovascular protection without a plan.
Related reading: Can statins affect the liver, and which monitoring tests are needed?.