Taking statins might slightly increase your chances of getting type 2 diabetes, especially if you're older, overweight, or already have metabolic issues — but they do a much better job of protecting your heart, so the benefits are way bigger than the risks.

What we've found so far is that taking statins might slightly increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly in people who are older, overweight, or already have metabolic issues [1]. However, the evidence we've reviewed also indicates that statins are highly effective at protecting heart health, and in most cases, the cardiovascular benefits appear to outweigh the potential diabetes risk [1]. Our current analysis shows that the available evidence leans toward a small increase in diabetes risk with statin use [1]. This means that while blood sugar levels may rise in some individuals on statins, it doesn’t happen to everyone, and the effect seems more likely in those who already have risk factors for diabetes. We don’t have enough data to say how large this risk is or how it might affect different groups, but what we do see suggests it’s relatively minor compared to the protection statins offer against heart attacks and strokes [1]. We’re not saying statins cause diabetes — the evidence doesn’t let us make that claim. We’re simply reporting that there’s an observed link in some studies, and it’s something to be aware of, especially for people already at higher risk [1]. Since we’ve only reviewed one assertion so far, our understanding is limited. More evidence may change or refine this picture over time. The takeaway: if you're on a statin, it’s worth paying attention to your blood sugar and overall metabolic health — but not at the expense of ignoring the heart benefits. Talk to your doctor about your individual risks and don’t make changes based on this alone.