Statin Use and the Risk of Falls in Older Individuals With Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Statins are effective in reducing cardiovascular events. However, statin-associated adverse muscle events, often associated with falls, remain a concern. We investigated the association between statin use and risk of falls in older individuals with diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,896 Japanese individuals with diabetes aged ≥65 years. The risk of falls was evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between statin use and fall risk. The subgroup analysis was limited to patients with a history of cerebral infarction or ischemic heart disease. Results: The percentage of individuals with type 2 diabetes, body mass index, and glycated hemoglobin A1c was higher, whereas the percentage of men and mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels was lower in statin users (n = 953) than that in non-users (n = 943). The percentages of individuals at high risk of falls were higher in statin users than those in non-users (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed no associations between statin and risk of falls in overall (odds ratio [OR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95-1.44) or subgroup (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.72-2.06). Conclusions: This study did not provide evidence of an increased risk of falls in statin-using older individuals with diabetes.

Keywords

• diabetes
• falls
• older patients
• statin