Statins

Source-This post on Statin is based on the article “ Study finds one way statins can cause diabetes, and a solution” published in “The Hindu” on 1st April 2024.

Why in the News?

A study by a group of researchers in China has found that administering ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can stave off the tendency of statins to induce glucose intolerance and diabetes.

About Statin

1. Statin is a medicine prescribed to people with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.

2. They are commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs and are also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

3.  High cholesterol can lead to arterial plaque accumulation, which may harden or narrow arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes due to sudden blood clots.

4. Statins are capable of lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol) by up to 50% or more, thus mitigating artery blockage and enhancing blood flow.

5. These drugs are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain blood clots.

6. However, many studies have found statins could increase the risk of developing diabetes.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology (Health)