Diabetic Dyslipidemia: Causes and Consequences

More cardiovascular disease occurs in patients with either type 1 or 2 diabetes. The link between diabetes and atherosclerosis is, however, not completely understood. Among the metabolic abnormalities that commonly accompany diabetes are disturbances in the production and clearance of plasma lipoproteins. Moreover, development of dyslipidemia may be a harbinger of future diabetes. A characteristic pattern, termed diabetic dyslipidemia, consists of low high density lipoprotein (HDL), increased triglycerides, and postprandial lipemia. This pattern is most frequently seen in type 2 diabetes and may be a treatable risk factor for subsequent cardiovascular disease. The pathophysiological alterations in diabetes that lead to this dyslipidemia will be reviewed in this article.