Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Case–Control Study

Abstract

Background: Dyslipidemia is a common metabolic abnormality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Alterations in lipid metabolism may become more pronounced with prolonged duration and poor glycemic control. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the serum lipid profile of patients with T2DM and healthy controls and to assess the association of lipid parameters with the duration and severity of diabetes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional case–control study was conducted at MNR Medical College and Hospital, Sangareddy, from December 2017 to November 2019. Fifty patients with T2DM and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Patients with conditions affecting lipid metabolism, including hypothyroidism, were excluded. Fasting serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) were assessed. Glycemic status was evaluated using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Lipid abnormalities were interpreted according to NCEP ATP III criteria. Results: The mean age was 58.46 ± 7.73 years in the diabetic group and 58.40 ± 9.08 years in controls. Mean TC, LDL-C, and VLDL-C were significantly higher in diabetics than controls: TC, 203.76 ± 52.84 versus 166.06 ± 39.06 mg/dL (P < 0.00001); LDL-C, 135.78 ± 47.90 versus 94.98 ± 35.51 mg/dL (P = 0.00002); and VLDL-C, 33.68 ± 9.65 versus 28.64 ± 8.63 mg/dL (P = 0.0203). TG and HDL-C differences were not statistically significant in the case–control comparison. With increasing duration of diabetes, TG increased and HDL-C decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Increasing HbA1c severity was associated with higher TG, TC, LDL-C, and VLDL-C and lower HDL-C. Conclusion: T2DM is associated with significant alterations in lipid metabolism, particularly increased TC, LDL-C, and VLDL-C. Longer duration and poorer glycemic control were associated with worsening lipid abnormalities. Regular lipid assessment and optimal glycemic control may help reduce cardiovascular and vascular complications in patients with T2DM.