title: Efficacy of low- and moderate-intensity statins for achieving low- density lipoprotein cholesterol targets in Thai type 2 diabetic patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Low dose statins are commonly used among Asians, because plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reductions similar to those observed in Westerners are achieved at lower doses. We aimed to assess the efficacy of low- and moderate-intensity statins for achieving plasma lipid targets in Thai type2 diabetes (T2D) and to evaluate factors associated with greater LDL-C reduction by statins.
  
  
  METHODS
  T2D patients who were treated with low- and moderate-intensity statins at the Siriraj Diabetes Clinic during the January 2013 to December 2014 study period were eligible for inclusion(n = 978), 400 patients were randomly recruited. Patients were classified into 1 of the following 2 groups according to their plasma LDL-C reductions by statins (N = 393); very favorable response (LDL-C reduction ≥50%) or less favorable response (LDL-C reduction <50%).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 400 patients, 41.3% were low-intensity statin users. Mean age was 64.4 ± 12.7 years, 64% were female. Median duration of diabetes was 13.3 years and mean HbA1C was 8.1 ± 1.9%. Plasma LDL-C goal of <100 mg/dl and <70 mg/dl was achieved in 84.3% and 38.0% respectively, with no significant difference between the low- and moderate-intensity statin users. LDL-C reductions ≥50% can be achieved in 38.4%. Factors associated with very favorable responses from statins were age, hypertension, patients with stable or reduced weight, and better glycemic control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low- and moderate-intensity statins achieved plasma LDL-C goal of <100 mg/dl and <70 mg/dl in 84.3%, and 38.4% of the patients respectively. Due to the improved response to lower doses observed in Asians, a titration dosage strategy should be considered.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand.
authors.forename: Nuntakorn
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8810-5397
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Thongtang
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand.
authors.forename: Chaiyut
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sitthananun
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand.
authors.forename: Sutin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sriussadaporn
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700 Thailand.
authors.forename: Wannee
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Nitiyanant
keywords: Asians; Diabetes; Intensity; Statins