Risk of new onset diabetes mellitus with pitavastatin as compared to atorvastatin and rosuvastatin: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Systematic review and meta-analysis combining randomized controlled trials and observational studies
PubMed 39587804 · doi:10.1080/17512433.2024.2433603
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42022371741) evaluated the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) with pitavastatin compared to atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. Searches were conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using JBI, Newcastle-Ottawa, and SIGN checklists. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 to calculate risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and evaluate heterogeneity via I².
What was found
From 517 screened records, 13 studies (randomized controlled trials and observational studies) were included. Pitavastatin was associated with a statistically significant lower risk of NODM compared with both atorvastatin (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.93, p = 0.0002) and rosuvastatin (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.84, p < 0.00001).
Why it matters
This review suggests that pitavastatin has a more favorable glycemic profile than atorvastatin or rosuvastatin, potentially making it a safer option for patients requiring long-term statin therapy who are at risk of diabetes.
Limits
The review pooled observational studies with randomized controlled trials, introducing potential confounding and selection bias. Total participant numbers, baseline diabetes risk factors, drug dosages, follow-up durations, and specific I² heterogeneity values were not reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Pitavastatin is the one statin that does not increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.