Risk markers for cardiovascular disease in young type 1 diabetic patients: lipoproteins, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and adiponectin.

OBJECTIVES: Lipoproteins, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adiponectin have been studied as risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to measure and analyze those risk markers in young type 1 diabetic patients and to evaluate the association between adiponectin and different parameters. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed body mass index, subscapular skinfold thickness, physical activity, nutrition, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, hs-CRP and adiponectin in 148 young type 1 diabetic patients [age--median (interquartile range)--13.5 (10.3-16.0) yr]. Linear and multiple regression analysis were used. RESULTS: Median HbA1c was 7.5 (7.0-8.1)%. Median cholesterol and hs-CRP levels were normal. Adiponectin was 14.9 (10.8-19.0) microg/ml. There was no correlation between adiponectin and age, diabetes duration, body mass index, physical activity, protein, fat or carbohydrate intake, HbA1c, serum lipids or hs-CRP. But there was a negative correlation between serum adiponectin and skinfold thickness and a positive correlation between adiponectin and daily energy intake. Multiple linear regression analysis showed an independent positive correlation with daily energy intake, saturated fat intake and apolipoprotein B levels. CONCLUSIONS: In children and adolescents with relatively well controlled glycaemia, there are no abnormalities of risk markers for cardiovascular disease: lipoproteins, hs-CRP and adiponectin. Adiponectin levels are associated with daily energy intake, saturated fat intake and apolipoprotein B levels suggesting that increased levels of adiponectin could protect patients at increased risk of CVD. A longitudinal analysis is needed to follow up these factors and any occurrence of cardiovascular disease.