Diabetic dyslipidaemia

Abstract

Type 2 diabetic patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and, although many factors contribute to this risk, it is likely that diabetic dyslipidaemia plays an important role. Dyslipidaemia in Type 2 diabetic patients is characterized by low levels of HDL cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. In Type 2 diabetes, the total amount of LDL cholesterol is the same as in healthy people, but there are qualitative changes, e.g. a shift to smaller, denser LDL particles and an increased susceptibility to oxidation. Oxidized LDL may promote the development of atherosclerosis. It is possible to modify the major abnormalities of diabetic dyslipidaemia by combining lifestyle modifications (e.g. increased physical activity, cessation of smoking and weight reduction) with improved glycaemic control and hypolipidaemic drugs to reduce the burden of CVD within this high-risk population.