Lipid abnormalities in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background & Objective: Previous studies suggest that the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes is high with respect to the general population. But data related to the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in diabetic population is limited in Sri Lanka. This study was planned to identify the prevalence of abnormalities in lipid profile among type 2 diabetic population. Methods: All subjects were studied for their quantitative lipid abnormalities after an overnight fast. Their anthropometric indices were measured and fasting blood sample was collected for glucose and lipids determinations. Results: Mean value of BMI was 23.67 ± 0.58 2 kg/m and FBS was 179.3 ± 9.98 mg/dL. There were 67% patients with high TC levels and 44% of patients with high triglyceride levels. Increased LDL levels were found in 51% of patients and 19% of patients had lower HDL levels both in males & females. We found that 65% of patients had more than one risk factor in lipid profiles. Further, 74% of patients had combination of significantly high TC and low HDL levels. Interpretation & Conclusion: Contrary to the previous research findings, total cholesterol is the most common lipid abnormality in type 2 diabetics. Considering our different prevalence rates of dyslipidaemia among diabetic patients, we strongly suggest to promote investigations related to the effects of abnormalities of total cholesterol on the development of insulin resistance, the major causative factor for type 2 diabetes.