EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP OF LIPID PROFILE DYNAMICS IN DIABETICS: INVESTIGATING OPPORTUNITIES TO MINIMIZE THE PROBABILITY OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Abstract

Aim/Objective: To examine the effect of lipid-lowering therapy on reducing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases(ASCVD) in diabetics. 

Methodology: A longitudinal cohort-study was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College, Pakistan in the duration from July, 2023 to December, 2023. Participants included individuals aged 18 to 70 with confirmed diabetes mellitus (DM). Exclusion criteria encompassed documented cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy, significant chronic conditions other than diabetes, lipid-lowering medication use, and smoking. Fasting lipid profile parameters were obtained at the start. Statin therapy was administered to participants with dyslipidemia/hyperlipidemia. Every six months, follow-up examinations were undertaken to track the occurrence of ASCVD.

Results: The study enrolled 100 participants, with 56.45± 10.59 years of mean age and diabetes period with a mean of 6.33± 1.75 years. Nineteen patients developed ASCVD during the study period. Initial lipid profiles showed mean LDL cholesterol of 112.75 ± 8.81mg/dL, HDL cholesterol of 42.89 ± 7.97mg/dL, and triglycerides of 146.81 ± 21.32mg/dL. Correlation scrutinizes revealed weak associations between lipid parameters and ASCVD after six months of statin therapy. 

Conclusion: Pakistani patients with type 2 diabetes often exhibit dyslipidemia predisposing them to ASCVD. Despite the potential benefits of statin therapy, its underutilization underscores the need for enhanced treatment adherence to mitigate cardiovascular complications.