Management of Dyslipidemia in Adults With Diabetes

OF DYSLIPIDEMIA -The rationale for the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia is discussed in detail in the American Diabetes Association (ADA) technical review "Management of Dyslipidemia in Adults With Diabetes" (1). Type 2 diabetes is associated with a two-to fourfold excess risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Although the degree of glycemia in diabetic patients is strongly related to the risk of microvascular complications (retinopathy and renal disease), the relation of glycemia to macrovascular disease in type 2 diabetes is more modest. The finding of increased cardiovascular risk factors before the onset of type 2 diabetes also suggests that aggressive screening for diabetes combined with improved glycemic control alone will not be likely to completely eliminate excess risk of CHD in type 2 diabetic patients. Clearly, a multifactorial approach to prevention of CHD in type 2 diabetes will be necessary.