Dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). DM is now recognized as a risk equivalent for coronary heart disease. The lipid profile in patients with type 2 DM is characterized by elevated triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) particles and is believed to be a key factor promoting atherosclerosis in these patients. Both primary and secondary prevention studies have provided ample evidence that aggressive statin therapy reduces cardiovascular end points in patients with DM. In all persons with DM, current treatment guidelines recommend reduction of LDLC to less than 100 mg/dL, regardless of baseline lipid levels. Lowering LDLC to less than 70 mg/dL may provide even greater benefits, particularly in very high risk patients with DM and coronary heart disease.