Among Korean adults with diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia was highly prevalent (43.3% ≥150 mg/dL), and male sex was significantly associated with higher risk (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.03-1.88).
Cross-Sectional (n=7,713)
What is the prevalence and what are the determinants of hypertriglyceridemia among Korean adults with diabetes mellitus?
Hypertriglyceridemia remains highly prevalent (43.3%) among Korean adults with diabetes, even in those achieving LDL-C targets, highlighting the need for comprehensive lipid management.
Odds Ratio: 1.39 (95% CI 1.03–1.88)
BACKGROUND: Hypertriglyceridemia remains prevalent among individuals with diabetes mellitus despite lipid-lowering treatments; however, evidence in Asian populations, particularly Koreans, is limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and determinants of hypertriglyceridemia according to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and lipid-lowering therapy among Korean adults with diabetes mellitus, and to compare findings with U.S. METHODS: Data from 7713 Korean adults with diabetes mellitus in the 2011-2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Hypertriglyceridemia prevalence (≥150 mg/dL and ≥200 mg/dL) was assessed by LDL-C levels and lipid-lowering medication use. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors, and results were compared with U.S. NHANES data. RESULTS: Among individuals with diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was 43.3% (≥150 mg/dL) and 24.6% (≥200 mg/dL). Even in those achieving LDL-C <70 mg/dL with lipid-lowering medications, 37.8% had triglyceride levels ≥150 mg/dL and 19.3% had levels ≥200 mg/dL. Male sex (adjusted odds ratio OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.88) and higher LDL-C were positively associated with hypertriglyceridemia, whereas older age (OR 0.97 per year, 95% CI 0.96-0.99) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were inversely associated. Smoking was a significant risk factor for hypertriglyceridemia among women, and heavy alcohol consumption was a risk factor in both sexes. Compared with NHANES data, prevalence was similar, but associations with younger age, male sex, and elevated LDL-C were stronger among Koreans. CONCLUSION: Hypertriglyceridemia is highly prevalent among Korean adults with diabetes mellitus, including those achieving LDL-C targets. Younger age, male, elevated LDL-C levels, and adverse lifestyle factors were key determinants, highlighting the need for comprehensive lipid management strategies beyond LDL-C control.
Park et al. (Fri,) conducted a cross-sectional in diabetes mellitus (n=7,713). Male sex vs. Female sex was evaluated on Hypertriglyceridemia (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.88). Among Korean adults with diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia was highly prevalent (43.3% ≥150 mg/dL), and male sex was significantly associated with higher risk (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.03-1.88).