Low-density lipoprotein particle size in type 2 diabetic patients and age matched controls

Non-enzymatic glycation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and the predominance of small dense LDL particles may together contribute to the increased risk of atherosclerosis in diabetes. We aimed to establish whether the size of LDL particles is related to plasma triglyceride concentration, and to the extent of LDL glycation in type 2 diabetic patients. Sixteen men with type 2 diabetes and 16 age matched non-diabetic controls were studied. LDL size was measured by rapid density gradient ultracentrifugation, and LDL glycation by affinity chromatography. Modal LDL density correlated with plasma triglyceride concentrations in both diabetic and control groups (r = 0.86, P < 0.0001, and r = 0.76, P < 0.0008, respectively). There was no significant difference in these variables between the groups. LDL modal density showed no correlation with HbA1, serum fructosamine or plasma glucose in either group. In the diabetic group the degree of LDL glycation correlated with serum fructosamine (r = 0.74, P < 0.001), HbA1 (r = 0.65, P < 0.008), and with plasma glucose (r = 0.64, P < 0.008). Our results suggest that, in well controlled type 2 diabetic patients LDL size is independent of short-term glycaemic control but can be predicted by plasma triglyceride concentrations.