In a new study, researchers found statin use is linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes, which is a risk factor for skin and soft tissue infections.
The research was conducted by a team from Curtin University in Australia.
Statins have been reported to be beneficial for infections such as pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia.
In the case of infections, however, statin use is ironically associated with a higher risk of diabetes and skin infections.
In the study, the team examined prescription claims from 2001 to 2011 from the Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
They found statin use for as little as 91 days was linked to higher risks of skin and soft tissue infections and diabetes.
The increased risk of infection was seen in patients who did and did not develop diabetes.
The team says the findings reinforce the need for doctors to be aware that statin use may be linked to diabetes, as well as a possible increased risk of skin infections.
In addition, doctors may need to monitor blood glucose levels of statin users.
The lead author of the study is Humphrey Ko.
The study is published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Copyright © 2019 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
