Diabetic dyslipidaemia

Abstract

Dyslipidaemia is likely to play a leading role in the cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes. Diabetic dyslipidaemia is characterised by hypertriglyceridaemia, a shift from large low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to smaller denser particles, and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Dyslipidaemia is closely associated with insulin resistance. Patients with diabetic dyslipidaemia should receive lipid lowering therapy with statins or fibrates, as appropriate. Due to the relationship between dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance, treatment of insulin resistance should be included in multifactorial risk factor modification. Thiazolidinediones such as pioglitazone may provide a useful treatment approach.