August 10, 2012
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.
The benefits of taking statins far outweigh the side effects for the majority of people who need to take them
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.