Statin therapy increases HbA1c by 0.06–0.08% and raises new-onset diabetes risk by up to 36% in individuals near the diagnostic threshold, yet reduces major cardiovascular events in high-risk populations.

Study: Effects of statin therapy on diagnoses of new-onset diabetes and worsening glycaemia in large-scale randomised blinded statin trials: an individual participant data meta-analysis

This big study found that statins, which help prevent heart attacks, slightly raise blood sugar and can lead to a bit more diabetes in people who are already close to getting it — but the heart benefits still far outweigh this small risk.

Study: Risk of new-onset diabetes across individual statins in secondary prevention: results from the Korean national health insurance service cohort

This study found that people taking statins for heart disease were more likely to develop diabetes, but still had fewer heart attacks and strokes — so statins help the heart even if they slightly raise diabetes risk.

Study: Effects of background statin therapy on glycemic response and cardiovascular events following initiation of insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes: a large UK cohort study

This study found that people with type 2 diabetes who took statins had slightly higher blood sugar levels but had far fewer heart attacks and strokes than those who didn’t take statins. So yes, statins can raise blood sugar a bit, but they still protect the heart.

Study: Dose–response relationship between statin therapy and glycaemia in community‐based patients with type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study

This study found that higher doses of statins made blood sugar levels worse in people who already have diabetes, which supports the idea that statins can raise blood sugar—even if they help the heart. It’s like the medicine helps your heart but makes your sugar harder to control.