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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : June 29, 2015 9:20 AM IST
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Despite of large number of prescription drugs available for reducing sugar levels and stabilizing blood pressure, a vast number of people with diabetes are still at a high risk of cardiovascular diseases due to increases levels of triglycerides and cholesterol (diabetic dyslipidemia). Studies suggest that the risk of cardiovascular diseases in diabetics is increased by two to four times than people who do not suffer from diabetes.
Dr Mitali Joshi, consultant at LifeSpan, provides an insight into diabetic dyslipidemia, its dangers and whether it can be prevented.
What causes diabetic dyslipidemia in diabetics?
People with diabetes have high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) and defects the hormone insulin that regulates metabolism in the body. Because of these changes, blood levels of lipoproteins (molecules made of fats and proteins) are also affected. Often, because of improper diet and inactive lifestyle, the blood levels of triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) in diabetics start increasing with a decrease in good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein -HDL) levels. This condition is characteristic feature of diabetic dyslipidemia.
What makes it dangerous for them?
In people suffering from diabetic dyslipidemia, the composition of lipid (fat) particles found in blood is such that it promotes fat deposition in the arteries (medically termed as-- atherogenic) which lead to heart diseases. Dyslipidemia is therefore a major cardiovascular risk factor in people with type 2 diabetics. Here's more information on other risk factors for heart attacks.
What are the possible complications of diabetic dyslipidemia?
In diabetic dyslipidemia, the triglyceride levels and bad cholesterol levels (LDL) increase along with reduction in good cholesterol levels (HDL). Here's more information on good and bad cholesterol.
If left untreated, diabetic dyslipidemia can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. Read more about how high blood pressure can affect your body.
Can diabetics prevent the onset of diabetic dyslipidemia? How?
Yes. The most important thing is to keep glucose levels stable and manage diabetes well. Diabetics should regularly monitor their blood sugar and adhere to their medication as prescribed. Here's the importance of adherence to diabetic treatment.
Second thing is following a healthy, active lifestyle. This includes avoiding meaningless calories, exercising, getting adequate sleep as well as reducing stress. Read more about how you can manage your diabetes and related complications effectively.
People should not wait for symptoms to show up. Anyone who has a family history of diabetes, leads an inactive lifestyle, has poor quality of sleep or is constantly under stress must test themselves for diabetes. There are several options for diagnosis. One of them is a specialised diagnostic test called R.I.S.C test. It is a unique, non-invasive and a quick 7 minutes test. This test is comprehensive and measures 30 vital health indicators associated with diabetes.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
How can diabetic dyslipidemia be treated?
Drug therapy for diabetic dyslipidemia is highly individualized. Most people with diabetes require statin therapy, but sometimes treatment with multiple drugs is given. The availability of multiple lipid-lowering medicines provides new opportunities for diabetic patients to achieve normal lipid levels. Here's information on a new drug for treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia.
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