Call for applications for a fully financed PhD fellowship

Project description

Statins are widely prescribed for managing dyslipidaemia and preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, concerns have arisen regarding their potential to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. While randomised controlled trials suggest a 10–20% increased diabetes risk, observational studies indicate an even stronger association. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear but are believed to involve reduced insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance due to HMG-CoA reductase inhibition.

Leveraging data from the Danish health registries, which are renowned for their comprehensive and longitudinal coverage, we aim to examine the temporal dynamics of changes in glycemic levels and diabetes incidence after statin initiation.  Specifically, we will capitalize on the wealth of information on statin prescriptions and repeated measurements of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), an accurate indicator of the average glycemic level.

Aims & Objectives:

This PhD study aims to investigate the relationship between statin initiation and diabetes incidence. The specific objectives are to:

1. Analyse trends in HbA1c levels before and after statin initiation.
2. Assess whether statin use leads to significant changes in HbA1c.
3. Evaluate the impact of statin type and dosage on HbA1c progression.
4. Examine the balance between the benefits of statin therapy and the risk of diabetes at both societal and individual levels.

Methods:

1. Using Danish registry data, we will focus on adults (45–89 years) initiating statins between 2015 and 2023. Individuals with pre-existing diabetes will be excluded. Three analytical approaches will be employed:
2. Interrupted Time Series Analysis – Examining individual-level HbA1c trends before and after statin initiation.
3. Active Comparator Cohort Studies – Conducting time-to-event analyses to compare diabetes risk among users of different statin types and dosages.
4. Risk-Benefit Analysis – Developing a health-economic model to evaluate the trade-off between statin benefits and diabetes risk.

By using data from Danish health registries, this study aims to provide a population-based perspective on the link between statins and diabetes, offering insights to inform clinical and public health decisions.

Qualifications

MD or Masters in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, data science, health sciences or a related quantitative field.

An interest and competencies in topics such as epidemiology, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, biostatistics.

How to apply

Please submit your application via this link. Application deadline is 30 June 2025 23:59 CET. Preferred starting date is 1 October 2025.

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide. It's not a requirement that make a project description, however since the field is mandatory, you can upload a blank page.

Further information

Please contact Professor Irene Petersen, irene.petersen@clin.au.dk for more information.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.