Apolipoprotein B in type 2 diabetics--a cross sectional study in a tertiary care set-up.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the pattern of dyslipidaemias including apolipoprotein B in type 2 diabetes. METHODS A total of 120 diabetics were studied for their lipid profile including serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in fasting state, along with apolipoprotein B levels. RESULTS Raised apolipoprotein B was the most frequent lipid disorder in type 2 diabetics, occurring in 56.7% of the studied patients. This was followed by high serum triglycerides levels in 55.8% and low HDL cholesterol levels in 55% of patients. Notably, 6% patients had normal triglyceride levels accompanied by raised LDL cholesterol, compared to 20% patients who had normal triglycerides with high apolipoprotein B levels. Overall, 36% of patients had normal LDL cholesterol values but elevated apolipoprotein B. CONCLUSION Apolipoprotein B is the most frequently occurring dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes. It identifies individuals with high risk of coronary heart disease not otherwise detected on routine lipid profile.