Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Endocrinology and metabolism
Managing lipid abnormalities in type 2 diabetes
Abstract
Many people with diabetes can benefit from treatment to reduce their cardiovascular risk, including lipid-lowering medications. Important questions include when and how to assess cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes, what diet to recommend, when to begin lipid-lowering therapy, and how to manage different types of lipid abnormality.
Key Points
- Lipid abnormalities are present in over 60% of people with diabetes.
- The decision to initiate lipid-lowering treatment should be based on absolute cardiovascular risk.
- Calculation of cardiovascular risk is appropriate in most people with diabetes.
- Statins are first-line therapy for prevention of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes.
- Elevated triglyceride levels are common in people with diabetes and treatment may be beneficial in some patients.
Picture credit: © BSIP/Medical Images
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