Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, refers to a group of disease defined by an inability to properly produce or use insulin. Because insulin regulates the level of glucose in the blood, people with diabetes develop high levels of blood glucose, also known as blood sugar. People with diabetes also frequently develop a condition called dyslipidemia, which is the incorrect regulation of lipid molecules in the blood, including triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein. Several factors increase the risk of a person with diabetes developing dyslipidemia.
Obesity
Obesity increases the levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. Obesity also tends to decrease levels of high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, according to an article published in the December 2003 issue of "Endocrinology Metabolism Clinics of North America." Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle contribute both to obesity and directly to altering levels of lipids in the blood, reports the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. The alterations to levels of triglycerides, LDL and HDL contribute greatly to dyslipidemia. Patients with diabetes are advised to exercise more and lose weight in order to reduce the risk of developing dyslipidemia, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Poor Glycemic Control
In addition to control of blood sugar levels, insulin is also directly involved in the regulation of blood lipids such as triglycerides, LDL and HDL, an article published in 2001 in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" explains. If a patient with diabetes does not closely regulate levels of insulin in the blood, the risk of dyslipidemia is increased in addition to the risk of spikes in blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association advises patients with diabetes to closely control insulin levels in order to decrease the risk of developing dyslipidemia.
Diet
Eating foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol alter levels of triglycerides, LDL and HDL in the blood and increases the risk of dyslipidemia, reports the American Diabetes Association. In addition, high caloric intake has also been linked to dyslipidemia, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. To reduce the risk of dyslipidemia, patients should reduce in the intake of cholesterol, saturated fat and calories.
Smoking
Smoking is another risk factor for dyslipidemia. Smoking alters the blood levels of triglycerides, LDL and HDL. Patients with diabetes should pursue smoking cessation programs to decrease the risk of developing dyslipidemia, reports the American Diabetes Association.
References
- "Endocrinology Metabolism Clinics of North America"; Obesity and Dyslipidemia; Howard BV et al; December 2003
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Dyslipidemia(Hyperlipidemia)
- American Diabetes Association: Atherogenic Dyslipidemia
- "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Diabetic Dyslipidemia: Causes and Consequences; Ira J Goldberg; 2001
