The assessment of lipid levels in type 2 diabetic patients in relation to lipid modifying therapy at the charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg academic hospital (CMJAH) diabetic clinic

Abstract

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is major contributor to morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Strict goal-directed lipid control 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 in March 2017. Their lipid profiles and the type and dose of lipid-modifying therapy prescribed to them were assessed. Results Although the majority of participants [146 (73%)] were at target for total cholesterol, fewer [133 (66.5%)] were at target for triglycerides, 112 (56%) participants were at target 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 The LDL-cholesterol levels of participants on statin therapy was significantly lower in statin-treated participants than in participants not treated with statins. However higher doses of statins or the use of more potent statins is recommended in order to achieve LDL-cholesterol target in the majority of diabetic patients.