Managing Dyslipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes

Cardiovascular disease is the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with diabetes, and although there has been significant reduction in excess risk, these individuals remain at least twice as likely to sustain atherosclerotic events. Aggressive management of traditional factors, such as dyslipidemia, remains the cornerstone of risk mitigation. Diabetes and its associated insulin resistance generate qualitative and quantitative changes in lipid profile, which complicate effective treatment. This article summaries the background to diabetic dyslipidemia and provides a precis of the available management options.