Prevalence of dyslipidemia and factors affecting dyslipidemia in young adults with type 1 diabetes: evaluation of statin prescribing

Background There is limited information about cardiovascular complications among young adults (YA) with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who are transitioning from pediatric to adult care. We aimed to study the prevalence and associated factors of dyslipidemia (DLD) and statin treatment in these patients. Methods We recruited 129 YA with T1DM aged 15-25 years. In a cross-sectional analysis, the prevalence of DLD (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] ≥ 100 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] <40 mg/dL [males] or <50 mg/dL [females], total cholesterol [TC] ≥200 mg/dL or triglycerides [TG] ≥150 mg/dL) was reported. Socioeconomic and clinical characteristics were compared between YA with and without DLD. We also assessed statin use among YA with DLD. Results DLD was found in 64% of YA, predominantly increased LDL-C (34.9%). Higher mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was associated with DLD (p < 0.043). Of all YA who met the criteria for statin therapy, only 42% had one prescribed. Conclusions The prevalence of DLD is high in YA with T1DM and is associated with poor glycemic control, and use of statin therapy in this high-risk population is low.