Lipid management in patients with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is correlated with a high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The management of diabetic dyslipidemia, a well-recognized and modifiable risk factor, is a key element in the multifactorial approach to preventing CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic dyslipidemia is characterized by elevated triglyceride levels, decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

To describe the effective approach to the management of dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes to allow providers and payers to become familiar with the treatment goals for all the components of lipoproteins, to correctly initiate appropriate lipid-lowering medications based on treatment goals and lipid-lowering capability, and to apply the data presented in lipid clinical trials to the treatment of patients with diabetes.

Diabetes is associated with a 2- to 4-fold increase in risk for CVD. The risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking. Therefore, prioritizing and managing diabetic patients with CVD risk factors is vital.

LDL-C appears to have the greatest role in premature and early atherosclerosis and the development of CAD and must be treated as aggressively as hyperglycemia to reduce CAD risk. Becoming familiar with lipid treatment goals and the many therapies available today can help providers and payers implement the appropriate approach to managing diabetic dyslipidemia risk factors and reduce the burden of this disease.