Variability in calculating non-HDL atherogenic lipoprotein in reference to atherogenic index in type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background and objective: Diabetes mellitus is a disorder that is often associated with cardiovascular diseases and underlying lipid abnormalities. The aim of this study was to calculate the serum level of LDL indirectly, using different equations in type 2 diabetes patients in an attempt to focus on the variation of estimating level which reflected on the decision to prescribe lipid lowering agents.Methods: A total of 70 patients with type 2 diabetes using oral hypoglycemic agents alone and/or once- or twice-daily insulin, their non-HDL atherogenic lipoprotein in reference to atherogenic index were conducted in Martyr Layla Qasm Center for Diabetes Mellitus in Erbil, Iraq, during the period from June, 2011 to January, 2013.Results: Age of type 2 diabetes patients ranged from 29 to 82 years with a mean age of 56.6 years with duration of disease ranged between 1.2-39 years. Results revealed that the mean fasting serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin were 181.9 mg/dl and 8.428%, respectively. The mean value of serum triglycerides was 171.5 mg/dl which is higher than the cut-off normal value of 150 mg/dl. Results showed significant correlation between atherogenic index and calculated atherogenic lipoprotein and significant correlation between atherogenic index and waist circumference as an indicator of central obesity.Conclusion: The mean body mass index value indicated that the patients were obese and the mean value of waist circumference did not reach the cut-off level of central obesity. The mean value of atherogenic index indicated that the patients were at increased risk of cardiovascular events. Estimation of LDL value from the direct measurement of lipid profile in type 2 diabetes with high serum triglyceride level is not a reliable method.