Frequency of dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients of Hazara division.

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease because of associated dyslipidaemia. Many studies advocate aggressive management of lipid disorders in Type 2 Diabetes to decrease these complications. This study was carried out to know the frequency of dyslipidaemia in our patients and also to determine that whether patients with good glycaemic control (HbA1c < or = 8%) are having better lipid profile than poorly controlled group. Cross-sectional survey was conducted in Medical OPD and Medical 'B' Ward of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad between March 2006 to March 2007. METHODS Patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus coming to Medical OPD as well as among those admitted in Medical 'B' Ward fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected. Blood was taken in the fasting state for lipid profile, fasting blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin determination. RESULTS Among 100 patients with Type 2 Diabetes, 78 were found to have hypertriglyceridaemia, while, 92 had LDL-Cholesterol in borderline cardiovascular risk status. Out of 78 patients with hypertriglyceridaemia 46 (59%) were poorly controlled diabetics (HbA1c > 8%) emphasizing the importance of good glycaemic control. However none of our patients had a low HDL-Cholesterol as found in some other studies. CONCLUSION Hypertriglyceridaemia along with impaired LDL-Cholesterol is present in majority of our patients. Good glycaemic control does affect the lipid profile in Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. However to provide the benefits of lipid lowering therapy to our patients, as confirmed in many studies, we need more awareness and placebo controlled double blind studies.