Small dense low - density lipoprotein particles : priority as a treatment target in type 2 diabetes ?

During the past two decades, the importance of the quality of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles – in addition to its quantity – has become of increasing interest. The risk of cardiovascular events was recognized to be closely linked to a predominance of small, dense LDL particles. In addition, in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, the disease itself and its severity (in particular the degree of insulin resistance) is associated with this subclass of LDL particles. Lipid lowering as well as antihyperglycemic drugs have been evaluated in many studies concerning their effect on LDL particle size. It has increasingly been recognized that a reduction of LDL quantity is not necessarily associated with a beneficial effect on LDL quality. Advances in the understanding of alterations in LDL quality may therefore influence the choice of the therapeutic regimen in patients with diabetes in the future. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2217/dmt.11.73 Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-75447 Accepted Version Originally published at: Gerber, P A; Spinas, G A; Berneis, K (2012). Small dense low-density lipoprotein particles: priority as a treatment target in type 2 diabetes? Diabetes Management, 2(1):65-74. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2217/dmt.11.73 Small dense low-density lipoprotein particles – priority as a treatment target in type 2 diabetes? Philipp A Gerber, Giatgen A Spinas, Kaspar Berneis Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition University Hospital Zurich Ramistrasse 100 8091 Zurich Switzerland Phone +41 44 255 33 35 Fax +41 44 255 44 47 Email [email protected]