Statins are associated with new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Medicare patients ≥65 years

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the association of statins and co-morbidities with new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients 65 years and older. Methods: This retrospective study used de-identified administrative healthcare claims and enrolment data from a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) health plan offered by a large multistate healthcare company. The plan covered >2.4 million individuals, of whom >1.7 million individuals were ≥65 years. Of these, 265 554 individuals had continuous MAPD enrolment January 2008 to December 2015. The unadjusted model assessed demographic, pharmacy and T2DM co-morbidities as covariates. Significant variables (P