LDL Reduction and Risk of Diabetes in Veteran Statin Users.

Background: While statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, there is controversy regarding a potentially causal link with incident diabetes mellitus (DM). This association may partially be due to confounding by indication; since prescription guidelines encourage statin use among those diagnosed with DM, this may encourage their prescription among those with elevated blood glucose in the absence of DM diagnosis.

Objective: The study examined the association between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction following initiation of statin use and new-onset DM among veterans.