Features of Lipid Profile of Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Delta State

Abstract

The plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density
lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically on 70 fasting Type
1 and 150 fasting Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and also on 100 apparently healthy, age-matched controls in
Delta State, Nigeria. Atherogenic index, glycaemic status and obesity were also assessed on the subjects, within
the period of study: July 2004 to July 2005. Of the 220 diabetic patients, 186 (84.5%) had not had a lipid profile
test for the past one year, only 48 (21.8%) are aware of the need for the test, and only 148 (67.3%) could not
afford the test, annually. The diabetics had significantly (p<0.05) higher plasma TC, TG, LDL-C and atherogenic
index than the control subjects, with the Type 1 patients having higher mean values than the Type 2 patients
(p<0.05). HDL-C was, however, significantly (p<0.05) lower in the diabetics. The occurrence rates of hyperlipidaemia
and abnormal atherogenic index were significant (p<0.05) in the Type 1 than in the Type 2 patients.
The occurrence of dyslipidaemia among Nigerian diabetics is high. The lipid profile obtained might indicate
the occurrence and increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in these subjects. Thus, the need for
increased awareness for regular lipid profile testing and effective management of diabetes geared towards correcting
dyslipidaemia.