Delaying statin therapy for people with type 2 diabetes can increase their risk of developing cardiovascular complications, a new study has claimed.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham have discovered that starting statin therapy immediately after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can reduce heart attacks and strokes by one-third.
Almost one-fifth of people with type 2 diabetes delay statin treatment because they tend to opt for lifestyle interventions or other drugs as a first line of therapy.
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However, statin therapy is an effective, safe, and low-cost way to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular events.
First author Dr Alexander Turchin said: “I see people with diabetes on a regular basis, and I recommend statin therapy to everyone who is eligible.
“Some people refuse because they want to first try lifestyle interventions on other drugs. But other interventions are not as effective at lowering cholesterol as starting statin therapy as soon as possible. Time is of the essence for your heart and brain health.”
The leading causes of death among people with type 2 diabetes are from heart attacks and strokes, data has shown.
Cardiovascular events are reduced by statin therapy because it combats a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels, research has revealed.
As part of the trial, the team of researchers analysed the electronic health records of 7,239 people.
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They found that more than 17% of the participants initially declined statin therapy, then accepted it roughly 1.5 years later upon repeated recommendation by their clinician.
Among the participants who delayed statin therapy, 8.5% had a heart attack or stroke, compared to 6.4% among those who started statin therapy straight away.
Dr Turchin concluded: “Clinicians should recognise the increased cardiovascular risk associated with delaying statin therapy for people with diabetes and use this information to guide shared decision-making conversations with people.”
Read more in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
