Publication:

Lipid profile abnormalities in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics: a cross-sectional study

Background India is fast becoming the diabetes capital of the World. A direct atherogenic effect of triglyceride rich particles has been noted. This study assesses the lipid profile abnormalities in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Since dyslipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such assessment will enable better recognition, prevention and management of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Methods The study was conducted over a period of one year at a tertiary care hospital in South India. A cross-sectional study of 100 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics in a rural South-Indian population was done.

Results In our study, 55 (55%) participants had high triglycerides and 45 (45%) had normal triglycerides.  Among the 55 participants with abnormal triglycerides, 34% had borderline high levels (150-199mg/dl), 18% had high levels (200-499 mg/dl) and 3% participants had very high triglycerides (≥500 mg/dl). 26% male and 29% female participants had above normal triglyceride levels. In our study, 25% had borderline high cholesterol levels and 5% had high total Cholesterol. 39% of participants had near optimal levels of LDL, 19% had borderline high levels of LDL, 7% had high levels of LDL and 4% had very high levels of LDL. Significantly higher levels of triglycerides and LDL were noted.

Conclusions Deranged lipid profiles are quite prevalent in type 2 diabetics with females having higher triglyceride levels. Recognition of such elevated triglyceride levels in even newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics will help in better prevention of associated cardiovascular disease.