Prevalence of remaining cholesterol increased in type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The main cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients are cardiovascular
diseases, and one of the main risk factors is dyslipidemia. The pattern of lipid alterations is characterized
by a moderate elevation of LDL cholesterol, with an increase in dense and small LDL particles, an increase
in triglycerides, and a reduction in HDL cholesterol (atherogenic dyslipidemia). The relationship between
LDL-C and cardiovascular risk is unquestionable, as well as the benefits of treatment with statins. Once the
LDL-C goal has been achieved, the evidence demonstrating the persistence of a high cardiovascular risk,
called residual risk, is remarkable; This is based on atherogenic dyslipidemia, characterized by an increase
in triglycerides and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, a decrease in HDL and qualitative alterations in LDL
particles. One of the measures to identify this risk is the determination of the cholesterol remnants (CR),
which represent the cholesterol content associated with very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and
intermediate density lipoproteins (IDLc) in the fasting state and the content chylomicron cholesterol in the
postprandial state. CRs are extremely atherogenic, largely due to their small size and the content of
esterified cholesterol responsible for causing inflammation in the arterial wall. CRs are responsible; along
with triglycerides; higher cardiovascular risk, compared to LDL-C concentration. This was correlated in
Mendelian randomization studies and in epidemiological trials in the postprandial period.
OBJECTIVE: Determine the prevalence of remnants of increased cholesterol in type 2 diabetic patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study was carried out. The
sample consisted of 185 subjects assisted in a private office in the Capital of Catamarca who completed the
laboratory analyzes requested in an accredited institution, taken from their medical records. The main
variable studied was the Remaining of Cholesterol.
RESULTS: The average age was 56 years, of which 60% were men. The prevalence of remnants of
increased cholesterol was 23%. There is a statistically significant association between the TGS/HDL index
and the presence of Increased Cholesterol Remaining, as well as non-HDL cholesterol with cholesterol
remnants. There was no correlation between the state of the degree of metabolic control of diabetes
according to the glycemic parameter expressed in Hb a1c and the level of Cholesterol Remnants.
CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of remnants of increased cholesterol in type 2 diabetic patients was 23%,
it was significantly related to the triglycerides/HDL index and non-HDL cholesterol. There was no
correlation with the degree of metabolic control of diabetes according to the glycemic parameter expressed
in Hba1c. There was no relationship between existing lipid-lowering therapy and its potency, and
individuals with increased cholesterol remnants.