CHD in people with diabetes is associated with increased plasma cholesterol levels, with reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in people with Type 2 diabetes and with increased triglyceride levels.

The most common lipid abnormality in people with diabetes is raised triglyceride levels. LDL levels may also be increased, especially if the patient also has microalbuminuria. In Type 2 diabetes raised triglyceride levels are associated with decreased HDL levels, but triglyceride levels are relatively normal in Type 1 diabetes. Hyperlipidemia can be assessed from fasting plasma total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the calculation of LDL-cholesterol.

Microalbuminuria is monitored regularly as a marker of nephropathy but it is also indicative of cardiovascular risk. It is thought it may reflect widespread endothelial damage, which could favour atherogenesis.

Next
Previous