Statin drugs can cause abnormal blood sugar in patients

  Statins are a class of oral lipid-lowering drugs widely used in clinical practice, mainly for the purpose of lowering LDL cholesterol levels in the blood to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases (such as hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease). The products listed in China include: simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, resevastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin and pitavastatin.  HIV protease inhibitors are antiviral drugs for the treatment of HIV infection. Domestically marketed products include: lopinavir, darunavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, ritonavir. Studies have found that statin drugs can cause abnormal blood glucose in patients, as evidenced by elevated fasting blood glucose levels, elevated glycated hemoglobin levels, new-onset diabetes, and worsening glycemic control in diabetes. In addition, concomitant administration of statins with HIV protease inhibitors may increase the blood levels of statins and increase the risk of serious adverse reactions, including rhabdomyolysis.  Based on the results of safety studies and monitoring of statins, the European Union and the United States have revised the product specifications of statins to increase the relevant risk warnings. China’s drug regulatory authorities have also carried out safety monitoring and evaluation of statins.  The State Food and Drug Administration recommends that health care professionals should ask patients about their past medical history (e.g., liver and kidney dysfunction, diabetes) and co-medication before using the drugs, inform patients of possible safety risks, and pay close attention to the occurrence of adverse reactions when increasing the dose or adjusting the treatment plan; patients are advised to consult their doctors immediately if they develop symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, fatigue, etc. that are suspected to be related to diabetes or dysglycemia symptoms, consult a doctor immediately to clarify the cause and take appropriate management measures.  Patients with diabetes using statin drugs are advised to monitor their blood glucose status closely and to seek immediate medical attention if there is deterioration in blood glucose control. Patients are advised to inform their doctors of all medications they are using before treatment, to read the medication instructions carefully, and to communicate effectively with their doctors about the safety of their medications to protect their health interests.