BioCentury 05.13.12 - [1] Promiscuous Use

Eric Topol of Scripps makes his case that statins are overused to prevent heart disease, posing a "clear-cut" risk of diabetes, especially with certain statins. He suggests NIH could fund studies to elucidate the risks.

BioCentury 05.13.12 - [2] On the Edge

Roger Blumenthal of Johns Hopkins agrees high cholesterol alone shouldn't determine statin use to manage risk of heart attacks, while the biggest risk of diabetes is for people whose blood sugar is "on the edge."

BioCentury 05.13.12 - [3] Measuring Risk

Blumenthal: Doctors, patients should account for multiple risk factors to determine when statins could be life-saving. Esperion CEO Roger Newton: Much more needs to be learned about individual biochemistry.

BioCentury 05.13.12 - [4] FDA Warnings

Given new FDA warnings, Newton advises physicians to probe patients for symptoms that could lead to a lowering of statin doses. He and Blumenthal agree diet and exercise remain key to keeping blood sugar under control.