The Prevalence Of High LDL-C Among Diabetic Patients Type 2 , Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Dyslipidemia is associated with a high risk of developing heart diseases and macrovascular diseases, such as stroke, particularly among diabetic patients. In Saudi Arabia, there is a need to evaluate the magnitude of dyslipidemia and aggravating factors that are associated with dyslipidemia among diabetic patients. The aim of this study is to assess prevalence of dyslipidemias, mainly high LDL, among T2DM diabetic patients.

Methods: This is a descriptive, hospital-based, and cross-sectional study recruited 100 patients with T2DM who have 2 readings of LDL, at least 6 months apart. Patients with diagnosed hypothyroidism or alcohol drinking were excluded from the study. A gender balanced sample of 50 males and 50 females at the age range of 18-75 years old were recruited from primary care department at Security Forces Hospital (SFH). The data was extracted form medical electronic records from 1st of January 2018 to 31st of December 2020. Multiple linear regression were used to determine the significant predictors of LDL level.

Results: A total of 100 patients with T2DM included with mean age of 57.3±7.7. About a third of the patients had high LDL level in both readings, compared to 21% had low level of HDL. The mean level of LDL was higher in females than in males but the differences were not statistically significant. An improvement in glycemic control among the included patients when comparing baseline and follow-up level of HbAc1. Concerning gender difference in dyslipidemia, the present study showed that levels of all dyslipidemia parameters were higher in females than in males but significant difference only detected in T. cholesterol and HDL. Change-rate in T. cholesterol level, change-rate in triglyceride level, and change-rate in HDL level were significant predictors for change-rate in LDL level. The change-rate in LDL level increased by 0.89 mg/dl for one unit rise in T. cholesterol change-rate. Differently, the change-rate in LDL level decreased by 0.36 or 0.54 mg/dl for one unit rise in triglycerides or HDL change-rate, respectively.

Conclusions: Based on robust estimations, a considerable proportion of diabetic patients had abnormal levels of dyslipidemia parameters, particularly LDL level. The change rate in lipid profile could be considered as a rough indicator for the effect of self-control or therapy in this study. An improvement in glycemic control was found when comparing baseline and follow-up level of HbAc1. Change-rate in T. cholesterol level, change-rate in triglyceride level, and change-rate in HDL level were significant predictors for change-rate in LDL level.