Prevalence of low HDL cholesterol and its associations among Sri Lankan patients with diabetes mellitus on statin therapy.

AIMS

We aimed to study the prevalence and associations of suboptimal high density lipoproteins level, a characteristic feature in diabetic dyslipidemia among patients under statin therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From a database of 2416 patients, data on age, gender, duration of diabetes, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglyceride, high density lipoproteins (HDL) were obtained. Prevalence of suboptimal HDL (<40mg/dL in males and <50mg/dL in females) and its association with gender, age, duration of diabetes, BMI and WC were studied.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of the sample (n=2416) was 53 (10) years and 64.2% of them (n=1550) were males. Prevalence of suboptimal HDL was 17.6%. Regression analysis revealed female gender, (OR 7.73, 95% CI 5.99-9.97) younger age (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99), higher BMI (OR1.05. 95% CI 1.00-1.2) and LDL level over 100mg/dL (OR 1.004, 95% CI 1.00-1.007) had significant associations with suboptimal HDL.

CONCLUSIONS

Every sixth diabetic patient on statins has suboptimal HDL level. Females, younger and obese diabetic individuals should be more focused on achieving optimal HDL cholesterol levels.