From cholesterol to glucose: uncovering how statins induce β-cell dysfunction to promote type 2 diabetes.

Abstract

Statins are the most commonly used cholesterol-lowering medications, with proven efficacy in reducing cardiovascular disease in humans; however, statins are associated with a higher risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D). Mechanisms contributing to statin-induced diabetes are not well understood and may include effects on body composition, tissue insulin sensitivity, and/or pancreatic β-cell function. Given the essential role of the β-cell in maintaining normoglycemia, this review focuses on how statins may lead to the demise of the β-cell. We revisit what is known about the impact of statins on inhibition of the mevalonate pathway, including blockade of the synthesis of cholesterol and non-cholesterol products. We discuss aberrant expression of key β-cell genes and proteins, as well as dysregulation of β-cell components that facilitate normal insulin secretion, e.g., mitochondria and calcium channels. Importantly, we highlight areas that are understudied, including how statins alter cholesterol transport and metabolism in the β-cell, and the role of sex/gender in statin-induced β-cell dysfunction. As the number of statin users increases, there is an urgent need to address these gaps in our knowledge in order to shed light on strategies that limit statin-induced T2D.