Lipid disorder in diabetics
normal artery with patent lumen narrowed artery with lipid deposits
Dyslipidemias (abnormal lipid levels and ratios) contribute significantly towards the premature and accelerated Atherosclerosis (hardening and blocking of arteries) seen in diabetics, and should be corrected more aggressively than in a non-diabetic.
In untreated NIDDM (Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus), a mixed hyperlipidemia is commonly seen and involves:
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Increased Triglycerides. (bad lipid) |
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Increased Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. (bad lipid) |
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Increased Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. (bad lipid) |
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Reduced High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. (good lipid) |
Facts
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Triglycerides, VLDL, LDL are bad lipids which deposit inside blood vessels. |
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HDL is a good lipid which prevents bad lipids from depositing inside blood vessels. |
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Significantly raised Total Cholesterol (TC) levels are not a common feature of Type 2 diabetes, but its presence increases the atherogenic potential manifold. |
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The dyslipidemia may be secondary to associated, but non-diabetes related, conditions and these must be ruled out. |
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Commonly used drugs such as beta blockers used as anti-hypertensive (atenolol etc.) and thiazide diuretics (salt loosing drugs) may increase serum Triglycerides, and a complete drug history is essential in management. |