Association of low density lipoprotein levels and glycaemic control in type-2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Earlier diabetes mellitus (DM) was thought to be a disease of carbohydrate metabolism. Looking at the effects of insulin deficiency on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, diabetes mellitus is now being called more a disease of lipid metabolism than carbohydrate metabolism. A cross-sectional study was conducted during March 2005 to March 2006 to study the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels in diabetes mellitus and its relation to glycaemic control. LDL levels were estimated. Comparison of lipid levels were made between group of diabetic patients with glycated hemoglobin less than 8.0% and a group of diabetic patients with glycated hemoglobin more than 8.0% and the controls. The lipid fractions i.e. total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were higher in the poorly controlled diabetes patients as compared to well controlled diabetic patients and nondiabetic patients. Increased levels of low-density lipoprotein may be a contributory factor to the high risk of atherosclerosis induced coronary artery disease observed in diabetes mellitus patients. Reduction of blood glucose levels is likely to reduce low density lipoprotein levels and the risk of complication, with the lowest risk being in those with glycosylated hemoglobin values in the normal range ie. Less than 8.0%.