Diabetic Dyslipidemia in the Gulf

 

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for macrovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).  Dyslipidaemia in patients with T2DM is characterized by an increased level of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, a low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and the presence of smaller and denser low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) particles. Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2000 showed that among patients with T2DM receiving treatment for dyslipidaemia, control of LDL-C was only achieved in 29.7% of patients. There is high prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the Gulf States in which diabetic dyslipidemia is commonly demonstrated in these patients. In the Centralized pan-Middle East Survey on the under treatment of hypercholesterolemia (CEPHEUS) Survey conducted in 6 Arabian Gulf Countries, LDL-C attainment in diabetic patients was 48%. The results of this survey highlight the suboptimal management of diabetic dyslipidemia across Arabian Gulf Countries. More aggressive treatment management will be required which includes adherence to guidelines and the use of optimal lipid lowering therapies.