In adults with diabetes who do not have advanced artery disease, a drug called evolocumab lowers LDL cholesterol by about half after 48 weeks of treatment, resulting in significantly lower...

We analyzed the available evidence on evolocumab and LDL cholesterol in adults with diabetes, and what we’ve found so far suggests it lowers LDL cholesterol significantly. In one study involving adults with diabetes who did not have advanced artery disease, evolocumab reduced LDL cholesterol by about half after 48 weeks of treatment, compared to a placebo [1]. This reduction was consistent and notable, with no studies in our review showing the opposite effect. We did not find any evidence suggesting evolocumab fails to lower LDL cholesterol in this group, nor did we see data on long-term outcomes like heart attacks or strokes. The study focused only on cholesterol levels over 48 weeks, so we don’t know how this change might affect health over time. We also don’t have information on whether the effect is the same for people with more advanced artery disease or different types of diabetes. The evidence we’ve reviewed leans toward evolocumab being effective at lowering LDL cholesterol in adults with diabetes who haven’t developed severe artery problems. But because only one assertion was analyzed, and no other studies were included in our review, we can’t say how common or reliable this result is across broader populations. If you have diabetes and your doctor is considering evolocumab to help manage your cholesterol, this one study suggests it may work well for lowering LDL — but it’s important to talk about whether the benefits fit your overall health goals and risks.