Effect of pitavastatin on glucose, HbA1c and incident diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials in individuals without diabetes.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 26074315 · doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.06.001
What was done
Authors conducted a random-effects meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (searched via Medline, Cochrane, Embase, clinical trials registries up to November 2014, and manufacturer contact) assessing pitavastatin against placebo or other statins in individuals without diabetes. Eligible trials had at least 12 weeks of follow-up and reported fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, or new-onset diabetes (NOD).
What was found
Across 15 included studies (approximately 1,600 person-years), pitavastatin was not associated with significant differences versus control for: - Fasting blood glucose: MD -0.01 mg/dL (95% CI -0.77 to 0.74; I² = 0%) - HbA1c: MD -0.03% (95% CI -0.11 to 0.05; I² = 43%) - New-onset diabetes: RR 0.70 (95% CI 0.30 to 1.61); Risk Difference 0.0 (95% CI -0.004 to 0.003; I² = 0%) Subgroup analyses by comparator type (placebo vs other statins), dose, and follow-up duration showed no significant differences.
Why it matters
While some statins are associated with adverse glycemic effects and increased diabetes risk, this synthesis indicates pitavastatin demonstrates a neutral effect on glucose metabolism and incident diabetes.
Limits
Total cumulative follow-up was relatively short (approx. 1,600 person-years across 15 trials with a minimum follow-up of only 12 weeks), which may underdetect late-onset diabetes. In addition, the authors identified potential publication bias regarding the new-onset diabetes outcome.
Cited by
- supports Pitavastatin is the one statin that does not increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.