Although generally well tolerated, statins, compared with
placebo, have been associated with a higher incidence of
new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) in several experimental
studies and a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled
trials (RCTs).1,2 Another meta-analysis of 5 studies showed
a dose-dependent effect of statins on the incidence of DM.3
On the basis of these findings, the US Food and Drug
Administration has recently added information to statin
labels regarding the impact of these agents on DM.4 The
constellation of statins is wide, with differences concerning
active compounds, associated effects, and therapeutic doses.
The recent concerns about the safety of statins pose