The Statin Conundrum: The increased risk of new-onset diabetes

Statins are prescribed to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which in turn reduces atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). 

However, evidence suggests statin prescription has a dose-dependent impact on the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM). 

Epigenetic modifications have the potential to reflect the impact of statin therapy on a molecular level and may provide a tool for identifying individuals at risk for developing DM in the prodromal phase. 

The objective of this project is therefore to investigate the mechanistic actions of statins on diabetes-associated biomarkers by way of epigenetics.