Association of a reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Although there is overwhelming evidence that reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with statins leads to reductions in cardiovascular disease, less is known about the effects in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without pre-existing vascular events.

Methods And Results: Using the UK-based General Practice Research Database we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 21,998 T2DM patients aged 35-69 with ≥2 prescriptions for lipid-modifying therapy (2000-2009). We categorized LDL-C change (mmol/l) between last available and baseline lipid values as reduction (≥3.

Engaging patients, clinicians and health funders in weight management: the Counterweight Programme.

Background: The Counterweight Programme provides an evidence based and effective approach for weight management in routine primary care. Uptake of the programme has been variable for practices and patients. Aim.

Efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin 40 mg versus atorvastatin 80 mg in high-risk patients with hypercholesterolemia: results of the POLARIS study.

POLARIS investigated the efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin 40 mg and atorvastatin 80 mg in high-risk patients with hypercholesterolemia. Patients (n=871) were randomized to rosuvastatin 40 mg/day or atorvastatin 80 mg/day for 26 weeks. The primary endpoint was percentage change in LDL-C levels at 8 weeks.

Statin-induced myositis: a commonly encountered or rare side effect?

Purpose Of Review: Statins are well established as first-line agents for cholesterol lowering in cardiovascular disease, with accumulating evidence supporting their initiation and guidelines recommending treatment to lower LDL levels. Although generally well tolerated with few side effects, including headaches and gastrointestinal symptoms, concerns are raised regarding myopathy, which may lead to fatal rhabdomyolysis. This review examines current evidence on statin interactions, mechanism of injury and toxicity.

Favorable effects of pioglitazone and metformin compared with gliclazide on lipoprotein subfractions in overweight patients with early type 2 diabetes.

Objective: To compare effects of different oral hypoglycemic drugs as first-line therapy on lipoprotein subfractions in type 2 diabetes.

Research Design And Methods: Sixty overweight type 2 diabetic patients not on lipid-lowering therapy were randomized to metformin, pioglitazone, or gliclazide after a 3-month dietary run-in. Drug doses were uptitrated for 3 months to optimize glycemia and were kept fixed for a further 3 months.

Risk for myopathy with statin therapy in high-risk patients.

Emerging data suggest that the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) offer important benefits for the large population of individuals at high risk for coronary heart disease. This population encompasses a sizable portion of individuals who are also at high risk for drug-drug interactions due to their need for multiple medications. In general, statins are associated with a very small risk for myopathy (which may progress to fatal or nonfatal rhabdomyolysis); however, the potential for drug-drug interactions is known to increase this risk in specific high-risk groups.