[Hyperlipoproteinemia -- cause or sequelae of maturity-onset diabetes]

With the help of data from literature and own long-term observations the importance of the hyperlipoproteinaemias (HLP type IIb-V) as precursors of the maturity-onset-diabetes is discussed. The assumption of transitions of the hyperlipoproteinaemias with insignificant disturbances of the carbohydrate tolerance and hyperinsulinism into a condition with manifest diabetes mellitus and relative lack of insulin appears justified. Differential diagnostics (e.g. by determination of the insulin response after glucose tolerance) and adequate differential therapy of the symptom complex belonging to the metabolic syndrome are demanded.