Comparison of Fasting and Non-Fasting Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An observational study

Introduction: Dyslipidemia is seen in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Traditionally, fasting blood samples are preferred for lipid profile testing which itself has many disadvantages. Using non-fasting sample is convenient and already being used in many countries. This study aimed to compare the lipid profile parameters in fasting with non-fasting state in T2DM in Nepalese population. Method: This study was a single centered, observational analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Patan Hospital, Patan Academy of Health Sciences. Lipid profile tests of 104 T2DM patients were measured at fasting and non-fasting (post prandial) states. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test were used. Ethical clearance was obtained from Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Institutional Review Committee (IRC), (reference number: bss2310311809). Result: A total of 48 male and 56 female patients were participated. The study showed the mean differences (95% CI) of -9.38 (-11.62 to -7.19) mg/dL, -2.27 (-2.73 to -1.62) mg/dL and -5.06 (-6.79 to -3.13) mg/dL between fasting and non-fasting sample in total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels respectively. Meanwhile, the median difference (Q1; Q3) of triglyceride (TG) levels was +29.5 (-3; 39) mg/dL between fasting and non-fasting samples. Conclusion: Although there were statistical differences in the lipid test parameters between fasting and non-fasting states, its clinical significance is minimal. However, a non-fasting lipid profile can still be a potential alternative option to the fasting profile for its obvious advantages.