Taking statin medications may slightly raise your risk for higher blood sugars and type 2 diabetes. However, the FDA notes that the positive heart-related benefits outweigh the slightly increased risk.

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a type of statin medication used to treat and lower high cholesterol levels. By doing so, it can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

This medication and other statins block low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol production in the liver. LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol. High LDL levels put you at risk for stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Millions of people rely on statin medications like Lipitor to regulate and treat high cholesterol.

As with any medication, Lipitor may cause side effects. Studies have shown a possible connection between Lipitor and an increased risk of health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.

The risk appears to be greater for people who are already at an increased risk for diabetes and who have not taken preventive measures, such as making lifestyle adjustments and taking prescribed medications like metformin.

Other side effects of Lipitor include:

In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lipitor for the purpose of lowering cholesterol. Following its release, researchers found that more people who are on statin therapy are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes compared to people who are not on statin therapy.

The FDA have since revised safety information for the popular statin drug class. They added additional warning information stating that a “small increased risk” of high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes has been reported in individuals who use statins.

In its warning, however, the FDA acknowledged that it believes the positive benefits to a person’s heart health outweigh the slightly increased risk of diabetes.

The FDA also added that people on statins would need to work more closely with a doctor to monitor blood sugar levels.

Anyone who uses Lipitor — or a similar cholesterol-lowering drug — may be at risk of developing diabetes. Researchers don’t completely understand what causes the increased risk for diabetes.

It’s important to note, however, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that while statins carry some risks, your risk of developing complications may be greater if you don’t take it.

Not everyone who takes a statin medication will develop side effects, such as type 2 diabetes. However, certain people may have an increased risk. These individuals include:

  • people with obesity
  • people over age 45
  • people taking more than one cholesterol-lowering medication
  • people with existing liver or kidney diseases
  • people who consume higher-than-average amounts of alcohol

Current research doesn’t suggest people with diabetes should avoid statin medications. In fact, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people 40 years of age or older with type 2 diabetes be started on a statin even if no other risk factors are present.

Your cholesterol level and other health factors will determine whether you should receive high- or moderate-intensity statin therapy.

For some individuals with both type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), ASCVD may predominate. In these instances, the ADA recommends certain sodium–glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists as part of a regular treatment regimen.

If you’re living with diabetes, you can greatly reduce your risk for cardiovascular problems by taking these medications. However, you should still continue to make lifestyle changes that can help you manage your diabetes, your need for insulin, and your need for statins.

If you’re currently taking a statin drug such as Lipitor — or considering starting one — and you’re worried about your risk for diabetes, consider speaking with a doctor.

Together, you can look at the clinical research, the benefits, and the chance of you developing a serious side effect as it relates to statins. You can also discuss how to minimize possible side effects and how to decrease your need for medication by improving your health.

If you begin experiencing symptoms of diabetes, talk with a doctor immediately. They can order tests to confirm a diagnosis. Quick and thorough treatment is important for your long-term health.

Lipitor is a statin medication used to treat and lower high cholesterol levels. It can also increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

However, the FDA notes that the positive heart-related benefits outweigh the slightly increased risk.

If you’re taking a statin drug and you’re worried about your risk for diabetes, consider speaking with a doctor.