Statin use in postmenopausal women increases risk of type 2 diabetes, but benefits may still outweigh risks

A recent study has found that that the use of statins in postmenopausal women is associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, further studies are warranted, and some experts say that the benefits still outweigh the risks.

The study set out to evaluate whether statin use in postmenopausal women led to the development of new-onset DM. Participants (n=161,808) were recruited from the United States’ Women's Health Initiative (WHI), with constant follow-up after the study ended (analysis through 2005). The overall statin effect on causing DM by specific agents was...