{"id":633124,"date":"2025-08-07T17:31:36","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T21:31:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=633124"},"modified":"2025-10-17T12:02:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T16:02:21","slug":"best-statin-for-diabetics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-statin-for-diabetics\/","title":{"rendered":"Best statin therapy for diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Statins<\/span><\/a> are a class of medications prescribed to treat <\/span>high cholesterol<\/span><\/a> and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. They work by <\/span>blocking an enzyme in the liver<\/span><\/a> responsible for making cholesterol. Although statins are primarily used to prevent serious heart complications, they\u2019re commonly prescribed to people with diabetes because diabetes greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. At the same time, research shows that statins may raise blood sugar levels, which can affect people with diabetes or a risk of diabetes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This article explores the connection between statins and diabetes, including how statins may affect blood sugar, which statins may be preferred in people with diabetes, and what to discuss with your healthcare provider before starting or continuing treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

The relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease<\/span><\/h2>\n

People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and heart failure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults with Type 2 diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those without diabetes. For people with Type 1 diabetes, the risk can be up to 10 times higher.<\/span><\/p>\n

Managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels is important to <\/span>lower the risk of heart disease<\/span><\/a>. That\u2019s why healthcare providers often prescribe statins to people with diabetes, especially those with additional cardiovascular risk factors. However, <\/span>statins can slightly raise blood sugar levels<\/span><\/a> by affecting how the body responds to insulin, a concern for people already managing diabetes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that all statins should carry a warning about <\/span>their potential to increase fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c<\/span><\/a> (HbA1c) levels in people who take them. Clinical trials have found that statin use is associated with a <\/span>9%\u201312% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>. Some observational studies have reported even higher risks, particularly with high-intensity statin therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, the cardiovascular benefits of statins often outweigh these risks. A meta-analysis found that statin therapy in people with diabetes <\/span>reduced their risk of major cardiovascular events<\/span><\/a> by 27%\u201330% compared to those not taking a statin. Starting statin therapy earlier may offer even greater protection. A 2025 study showed that people with diabetes who delayed statin therapy <\/span>had significantly higher rates of heart disease<\/span><\/a> than those who began treatment when first prescribed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n