A Systematic Review of Existing Data on Statin Use and New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: The Need for Clear Answers
Authors:   Primary Health Care Corporation, Umm Ghuwailina Health Center, Doha, Qatar, Basheer Mansour Musa , Elsheikh Ahmedana2 Sara ,   Primary Health Care Corporation, Abu Baker Al-Siddiq Health Center, Doha, Qatar, Musa Basheer Amu ,   The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Medical University of Bahrain, Fregni Felipe ,   Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
Published: October 2024

Background: The relationship between statins use and the development of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (NOT2DM) has been a subject of ongoing debate and investigation. In February 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disclosed that statin use could lead to a modest rise in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG), potentially contributing to the development of diabetes. We systematically reviewed the available evidence and summarized the impact of statin use on NOT2DM. Aim: This systematic review aims to examine and provide a comprehensive overview of existing data relating to statin use and their association with the development of new-onset type 2 diabetes (NOT2DM). The primary objectives were to assess and explore: (1) the potential association between statin use and the development of new-onset diabetes; (2) the magnitude, extent, and incidence of new-onset diabetes due to statin use. The secondary objective was to explore the underlying mechanisms. Data Sources: PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Wiley, and Google Scholar and databases between January 2012 and February 2021. Data Extraction: The 2 reviewers Musa Basheer Mansour and Sara Elsheikh Ahmedana [MBM and SEA] independently assessed the qualities of the extracted studies and summarized data of the selected studies in tabulated forms for outcomes of interest and performed methodological and quality assessments based on review questions, citations, country of the study, aim, population characteristics, design, setting, sample size, sample technique, data source, measures, analysis, confounder variable and key observations for systematic review. We applied search keywords such as Statins, New-onset diabetes, Diabetes mellitus, Underlying mechanism, and incidents of diabetes. Results: A total of 66 studies were identified through database searches in the initial search, and 7 studies were included in this review. Of the 2,567,888 adult patients, 861,925 were nondiabetic patients on statin use, and 1,705,963 were diabetic on statin or non-statin users. We considered Hazard Ratios (HR), Odds Ratios (OR), and Confidence Intervals (CI) of each study for further analysis. The mean OR for three studies showed that each statin therapy resulted in a 68% increased risk of NOT2DM (OR, 1.683; 95% CI: 1.273-2.237). The significant relationship between statin use and the rising risk of NOT2DM was also confirmed by an average HR of 1.53 (95% CI: 1.2-1.7) for the remaining four studies. Recent and short-term use of statins, as well as time- and dose-dependent connections, were linked to an increased risk of NOT2DM in statin users compared to non-users. These risks were more prominent among older adults, normotensive males, hypertensive females, and individuals with low physical activity. Although no proven mechanisms were found, the possible processes are discussed. Conclusion: The systematic review found a significant level of risk of NOT2DM associated with statin use. The authors argued that the short-term diabetes risk caused by statin treatment was more prevalent among patients exposed to risk factors for diabetes. Although the precise mechanisms behind this association remain unclear, this research provides clinical practice with evidence-based guidelines. Additionally, conducting future research may be appropriate based on the gaps in knowledge identified from the results of this review.