All type 2 diabetics benefit from statins, even those with normal cholesterol levels

Main Category: Cholesterol
Article Date: 20 Aug 2004 - 13:00 PST

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According to a new study, all type 2 diabetics benefit from taking statins (cholesterol lowering drugs), even those whose cholesterol levels are normal. Their chances of ever developing heart disease or strokes would be significantly reduced, says the study.

2,838 patients with Type 2 Diabetes were involved in this study. The researchers found that those on Lipitor (a statin) reduced their chances of having a heart attack by over 30%, stroke by nearly 50% and any form of cardiovascular disease by over 30%.

Lead author, Helen Colhoun, University College, Dublin, said "This is a landmark study with watertight data showing clear evidence of a benefit that warrants people to really look at their treatment of this group of patients."

Diabeticians are saying in large numbers that people with type 2 diabetes should seriously consider taking statins, regardless of whether their cholesterol levels are high.

The study was mostly funded by the British Government, The UK Diabetes Association and in small part by Pfizer (producer of Lipitor). The studies were not influenced in any way by the manufacturer, said the researchers.

In this study, 2,838 diabetes 2 patients were given either Lipitor (10 milligrams per day) or a placebo. The study was carried out in the UK and Ireland.

Four years later, after following up on the patients, the researchers found that the Lipitor patients were 35% less likely to have a heart attack or to die as a result of their heart stopping. Stroke risk was 48% lower (than the placebo patients) and any cardiovascular event was 37% less likely.

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