The Association Between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Levels of Total Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol, Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) and the Role of Dehydrated Vegetables in Glycemic Control

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess Total Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Levels, identify specific lipid markers altered in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and evaluate the correlation between HbA1C and total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and VLDL levels.

Materials and Methods: Ninety-six volunteers aged 35-72 with confirmed T2DM underwent total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and HbA1c testing using the COBAS INTEGRA 400 PLUS device. Data on age, gender, diabetes status, and lipid profiles were collected in November 2023 to April 2024 from Layla Qasim Health Center located in Erbil, Iraq and then analyzed.

Results: Result: In our study, the prevalence of dyslipidemia among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients was 50.88%. This varied regionally, from 59.3% in China to 83.9% in Saudi Arabia. Dyslipidemia was more common in patients with poor blood glucose control. Weight and waist circumference were positively correlated with HbA1c levels, while age showed no significant effect on glycemic control. Women showed higher LDL and HbA1c levels than men. Although weak correlations were observed between HbA1c and LDL cholesterol, LDL was strongly correlated with total cholesterol and moderately with VLDL. Early detection and management of dyslipidemia is important to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with T2DM.

Conclusion: Our study highlights the significant prevalence of dyslipidemia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), emphasizing the importance of lipid profile management to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. We found associations between weight, waist circumference and HbA1c levels, with gender differences in lipid profiles. While the association between HbA1c and LDL cholesterol was weak, early diagnosis and management of dyslipidemia could significantly reduce CVD risk, advocating a comprehensive strategy targeting both glycemic control and lipid management in T2DM patients.