Pattern of dyslipidaemia in relation to statin use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Strict goal-directed lipid control in patients with diabetes is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes. Aim: The main aim of this study is to describe the lipid profiles of a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in order to highlight the quality of lipid control by correlating the type and dose of lipid-modifying therapy used with lipid levels. Method: A retrospective analysis was performed on 200 type 2 diabetic patients who attended the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital diabetic clinic. Their lipid profiles and the type and dose of lipid-modifying therapy prescribed was assessed. Results: Although the majority of participants (146 [73%]) were at the ideal level for total cholesterol, fewer (133 [66.5%]) were at the ideal level for triglycerides and 112 (56%) participants were at the ideal level for HDL cholesterol, only 53 (26.5%) participants were at target for LDL cholesterol, and very few, only 25 (12.5%), participants were at target for all four lipid parameters. Conclusion: Higher doses of statins or the use of more potent statins with or without the addition of other lipid modifying drugs is recommended in order to achieve LDL cholesterol target in the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes.