Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction

Moderate hypertriglyceridemia is exceedingly common in diabetes, and there is growing evidence that it contributes to residual cardiovascular risk in statin-optimized patients. Added to lipid lowering drugs and lifestyle intervention, an optimal glycemic control is necessary. The aim of our study was to compare triglyceride levels in diabetic patients before and after initiating insulin therapy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study including patients with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy for more than one year. We compared the triglyceride levels before and one year after initiating insulin therapy.

Results

Our study enrolled 97 patients. The mean age was 59 ± 9.5 years. Women represented 61% of the patients. The duration of diabetes was meanly 9.44 ± 6.31 years. The mean glycated hemoglobin was 10.7% ± 2.24. A total of 61% patients were receiving lipid-lowering medications. Hba1c was significantly correlated with high triglyceride levels (P = 0.032). The mean triglyceride level decreases on insulin therapy but not significantly (1.78 g/l ± 0.98 before switching to insulin therapy vs 1.26 g/l ± 0.46)

Conclusion

Elevated triglyceride levels were associated with inadequate glycemic control; thus, suppressing triglyceride levels may attain more optimal glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.