Rosuvastatin and Diabetes: When the Evidences Talk

Abstract

Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease; however, this risk is further increased as a result of other factors. This observation is particularly relevant with regard to lipid abnormalities. Although diabetic dyslipidemia is characterized by hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-cholesterol, and small dense LDL particles, the main determinant of the role of dyslipidemia in the prognosis of diabetics is LDL cholesterol. In recent years, LDL cholesterol targets have become progressively lower, and most current recommendations establish an LDL cholesterol target of <70 mg/dL for diabetics. This target can only be achieved using potent statins at adequate doses. Although it has been suggested that statins may interfere with glycemic metabolism, the benefits of reducing LDL cholesterol by statins are much greater than this possible deleterious effect. Rosuvastatin is one of the most potent statins available. Several studies have shown that it effectively reduces LDL cholesterol to recommended targets in diabetics. Moreover, rosuvastatin modestly increases HDL cholesterol and decreases triglycerides. The risk of side effects is low, as is the risk of interactions with other drugs. In this manuscript, the efficacy and safety profile of rosuvastatin in diabetic population is reviewed.