Statin therapy in the primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. A scientific review

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus has a high and growing prevalence in industrialized countries and constitutes a major cardiovascular risk, often being found in association with other risk factors. Macrovascular complications (coronary, cerebrovascular and peripheral) are the main causes of diabetic morbidity and mortality. Dyslipidemia, a major cardiovascular risk factor, is common in patients with type 2 diabetes. Statins are a safe and efficacious therapy in this context. There are a number of good quality randomized controlled trials evaluating the benefit of statins in type 2 diabetic patients. We will present and discuss the most valid, important and applicable evidence available on primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease with statins in patients with type 2 diabetes. We will give practical evidence-based recommendations on selection of patients for prevention with statins.