Utilization of Statins in Reducing Comorbidities of Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

Background: Medical care for the patients with diabetes, especially medication regimens, has become more complex over time, producing a barrier to achieving evidence-based goals of treatment. National and international clinical guidelines in the prevention of cardiovascular risk in diabetics advocate the utilization of statin therapy in appropriate patients. In this review, we will systematically review about utilization of Statins in reducing Comorbidities of Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: We searched the various electronic databases such as: PUBMED, BMJ, LANCET, WHO Website, Unicef Website and Google Scholar for studies related about utilization of Statins in reducing Comorbidities of Diabetes Mellitus. We also checked reference lists of reviews and retrieved articles for additional studies. By systemic searches, we reviewed each paper and retrieved potentially relevant references. Results: Many landmark studies across the world like the Heart Protection Study (HPS), the largest trial to date, confirmed the findings of earlier primary and secondary across a wide range of patients, including those with diabetes mellitus. In diabetic patients, statin therapy was associated with a significant 22% reduction in the risk of a first vascular event. The collaborative Atorvastatin diabetes study (CARDS) a study that involved over 2,800 men and women with type 2 diabetes (aged 40-75 years) and at least one other CHD risk factor, was stopped early when patients in the statin group showed significant reductions in myocardial infarction, stroke, angina and revascularization. Various Clinical trials such as MRC/BHF Heart Protections Study, Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS) etc. showed evidence for the benefits of statins in diabetes. Conclusion: An overwhelming amount of data that confirm the morbidity and mortality benefit of statin therapy in diabetes mellitus have been reported, both in primary and secondary prevention settings. National and international clinical guidelines in the prevention of cardiovascular risk in diabetics advocate the utilization of statin therapy in appropriate patients. Key words: Diabetes Mellitus, Statins, Cardiovascular risk, Comorbidities.