Statins increase weight and blood sugar and raise diabetes risk, study finds

Statins increase weight and blood sugar levels and raise the risk of diabetes, a study has found, but experts maintain that the benefits of the drug "greatly outweigh" the risks.

The cholesterol-lowering drugs taken by millions of Britons can directly increase the risk of diabetes because of the way they function, research has shown.

Statins have previously been associated with higher rates of type 2 diabetes, but it was not clear whether the drugs were responsible or some other coincidental factor.

Now a study has produced strong evidence that the drugs' basic mechanism can lead to weight gain and a modest increase in diabetes risk.

However, experts said the benefits of taking statins still greatly outweigh the risks and advice on taking the drugs should not be changed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/11116875/Statins-increase-weight-and-blood-sugar-and-raise-diabetes-risk-study-finds.html