ABSTRACT
Dyslipidemia is a disorder of lipoprotein metabolism that includes overproduction or deficiency of lipoproteins. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and this is especially true in people with diabetes mellitus. Diabetic dyslipidemia combines high blood triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and increased concentrations of small, dense LDL cholesterol particles. Lipid changes related to diabetes mellitus are linked to increased free fatty acid flux that is secondary to insulin resistance. Dyslipidemia can be asymptomatic and is often found during a routine blood test. Symptoms often begin once cardiovascular disease has started to develop. Coronary artery disease can lead to chest pain, and eventually, a myocardial infarction. Peripheral artery disease is usually signified by leg pain when walking. With diabetes, deaths from heart disease increase significantly in relation to serum cholesterol levels. Lowering cholesterol with statins is able to reduce relative cardiovascular risks in people with diabetes. Drug therapy for dyslipidemia is highly individualized, but most people with diabetes mellitus are good candidates for treatment with multiple statins and other agents to control their cholesterol. Dyslipidemia is often manageable with an improved lifestyle and adequate medication regimens. Patients must be educated about the dangers of not taking their medications correctly as well as the prognosis if they stop taking them.
