Comparative assessment of glycemic control in hypertensive patients treated with or without statins

Abstract

Background: It has been a matter of recent concern whether statins deteriorates diabetes mellitus or glycemic control. This association is worrying because diabetes doubles the risk of cardiovascular diseases and deaths, which accounts for about 50% of deaths in diabetes. Aims and Objectives: Comparison of the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in hypertensive patients with or without atorvastatin was done to study the effects of atorvastatin at therapeutic doses on glycemic control. Statins association with blood glucose levels and their impacts in the management of patients are the focus of our study. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, prospective, hospital-based, observational study was conducted at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, 60 eligible patients included were randomized into 2 groups. Group A included 30 patients taking tablet atorvastatin 10mg once daily since 3 or more months. Group B, and Group B included 30 patients, not taking any statin therapy. Further in each group of 30 patients, 15 patients with hypertension only and remaining 15 patients with hypertension and diabetes both were included. Patients demographic profile, status of disease, treatment history, and HbA1c were recorded. Comparison of glycemic control was done using suitable statistical methods. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of HbA1c levels. However, the patients on atorvastatin were found to have higher HbA1c levels compared to patients not on atorvastatin therapy. Conclusion: According to our study, atorvastatin had no significant impact on glycemic control; further larger trials are needed in this regard.