Factors associated with plasma lipids and lipoproteins in Type 1 diabetes mellitus: the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study

Aim To assess the determinants and prevalence of hyperlipidaemia in Type 1 diabetic patients in the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study. Methods Standardized questionnaire data were obtained and anthropometric an d biochemical measurements performed on 3159 Type 1 diabetic patients, rand omly selected from 31 diabetes clinics. Plasma lipid levels were determined centrally, using enzymatic methods Results Plasma total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL -C), and HDL subfractions were higher in women than in men, while plasma tr iglycerides were higher in men (P < 0.001). Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and HDL-C and HDL-C subfractions were, as e xpected, significantly associated with age and HbA(1c) in both sexes. Age a nd HbA(1c) adjusted values of triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and HDL3-C in men and triglyceride and HDL2-C in women showed significant associations with central obesity, measured as the waist to hip ratio (WHR) . Current smokers had lipid profiles characteristic of insulin resistance i n comparison to nonsmokers. Significant positive associations were observed between hypertension and plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-C in men and women. In men, degree of physical activity was negatively assoc iated with triglyceride and positively related to HDL-C and HDL3-C. The pre valence of LDL-hypercholesterolaemia (LDL-C > 3.35 mmol/L) was 45% in men a nd in women, while plasma triglyceride levels > 1.7 mmol/L were observed in 12% of men and 8% of women. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that lipid levels in Type 1 d iabetic patients are strongly influenced by smoking habit and central obesi ty in a way that is characteristic of the insulin resistance syndrome.