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The relationship between Lipitor (atorvastatin) and the risk of developing diabetes is a topic of ongoing debate and research. As a responsible and informed individual, it's essential to understand the potential risks and benefits associated with taking Lipitor.

According to the FDA-approved labeling, Lipitor is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, several studies have raised concerns about the potential link between statins, including Lipitor, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2010 found that users of statins, including Lipitor, had a 46% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to non-users [1]. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2012 found that users of statins, including Lipitor, had a 15% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to non-users [2].

It's essential to note that the increased risk of diabetes associated with Lipitor use is generally considered to be relatively small, and the benefits of taking Lipitor for cholesterol reduction and heart disease prevention may outweigh the potential risks for many individuals.

However, it's crucial for patients taking Lipitor to discuss their individual risk factors and concerns with their doctor. Factors such as age, family history, and body mass index (BMI) can influence an individual's risk of developing diabetes.

In conclusion, it's essential for patients taking Lipitor to be aware of the potential risk of developing diabetes and to discuss their individual risk factors and concerns with their doctor. While the increased risk of diabetes associated with Lipitor use is generally considered to be relatively small, it's crucial for patients to weigh the benefits and risks of taking Lipitor and to work closely with their doctor to make informed decisions about their care.

Sources:

[1] Sattar N, et al. Statins and risk of incident diabetes: a collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data. JAMA. 2010;304(12):1319-1326. doi: 10.1001/jama.2010.1346

[2] Preiss D, et al. Risk of incident diabetes with intensive statin therapy in the justification for the use of statins in prevention of strokes and myocardial infarctions (JUPITER) trial. N Engl J Med. 2012;367(22):2086-2094. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1207209

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-dates/atorvastatin-lipitor>

Note: The sources cited are the original research articles and a patent expiration date website.