Increased statin prescribing in patients with diabetes after the introduction of the NSF for Coronary Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease accounts for 70% of deaths in people with diabetes. This is partly due to their abnormal lipoprotein profiles. Several studies have shown that the prescription of statins to this group of people can greatly reduce the risk of death. The National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease (NSF for CHD), introduced in March 2000, set targets for treating people at high risk of death from CHD. Our study looked at 14 practices in Surrey to see whether the NSF has had an impact on statin prescribing in people with diabetes over the age of 40. There has been a 21 % increase in the prevalence of diabetes between 1999 and 2002. We have also shown a 74% increase in the prescribing of statins to people with diabetes following the introduction of the NSF for CHD. The increase in the number of people receiving statins has cost implications for primary care trusts. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.