Serum lipoproteins in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The qualitative and quantitative composition of serum lipoproteins was studied in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A correlation analysis was made between lipid metabolic and other indices (Quetie index, a history of diabetes, the degree of its compensation, age, carbohydrate metabolism). The patients were found to have higher levels of atherogenic lipoprotein fractions [very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL)], their lipid (cholesterol and triglycerides) and protein (apolipoprotein B) components being increased. On the contrary, the antiatherogenic fractions of high-density lipoproteins (HDL2₂ and HDL₁) are decreased. The changes in the qualitative composition are associated with the higher levels of HDL triglycerides and with the lower levels of apoliprotein A-1. The correlation found between the content of lipoproteins of different classes and their components (proteins and lipids) and the indices of carbohydrate metabolism, the duration of disease, the body mass index, the stage of diabetes decompensation supports the hypothesis that the atherogenic lipoprotein fractions are involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus.