A network meta-analysis was planned with respect to new-onset DM as an end point to compare (1)
high-dose statins versus placebo and different high doses of statins, 2)
moderate-dose statins versus placebo and different moderatedoses of statins,
and (3) high-dose versus moderate-dose statins. This research tool remains a well-established method capable of comparing different treatments using a common reference treatment while maintaining the randomization design and integrating data from direct and indirect
comparisons.6,