Considerations for treating dyslipidemia in special diabetic populations

This is a review of the problem of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in special diabetic populations. Clearly all patients with diabetes are at increased risk for CVD compared to non-diabetic populations. But within the subset that is patients with diabetes there are individuals who are particularly vulnerable. These groups include women, who are often overlooked and undertreated for their cardiovascular risk. Additionally, it includes those with fewer resources, many from minority populations, who are at very high risk for poor preventive care and serious cardiovascular morbidity. This review details the risk for CVD in a variety of different diabetic high-risk groups. It then discusses treatment options and approaches that should be employed in these populations.