Gender Differences of Lipid profile in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Context:- Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of CHD in women to a greater extent than in men. The stronger effect of type 2 diabetes on the risk of CHD in women compared with men was in part explained by atherogenic dyslipidemia in diabetic women. Aims:- To evaluate the effect of gender on fasting lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients and also to study the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in our population. Settings and Design:- Tertiary care hospitals, Prospective cross sectional study Methods and Material:- Type 2 diabetic patients who were attending outpatient department were included in the study. Patient population included both males and females above the age of 18 years. Patients with recently done fasting lipid profile reports were included in the study. Demographic characteristics collected include age, gender, body weight, height and duration of diabetes. Information regarding antidiabetic medication and lipid lowering agents were also recorded. Laboratory parameters collected include fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and glycosylated haemoglobin and serum creatinine. Statistical analysis used:- Independent student't' test was used to compare quantitative data in groups and chi square test was used to compare the categorical data. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between quantitative data. Results:- A total of 348 patients were included in the study. Among them 190 were males (54.6%) and 158 were females (45.4%). There were statistically significant gender differences in the mean cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Chi square analysis for gender-wise distribution of dyslipidaemia showed statistical significance for hypercholesterolemia and elevated HDL cholesterol. Number of patients with hypertriglyceredemia and elevated LDL cholesterol was also more in females, but the difference was statistically not significant. There was significant positive correlation of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides with glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose. Conclusions:- Most of the lipid abnormalities are higher in diabetic females. Females at the age group of 40- 60 years are at increased risk of dyslipidaemia. LDL cholesterol level above target in combination with an HDL cholesterol level below target level are the most prevalent dyslipidaemia encountered where as hypertriglyceridemia is infrequent.