High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol in Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes carries a high risk of atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease and stroke, is by far the leading cause of death among patients with type 2 diabetes. Although statins reduce the risk of major vascular events by reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the residual risk remains high. The association between reduced High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease well established, independently triglyceride levels and other risk factors. The cardiovascular protective role of HDL is thought to be mainly due to their role in reverse cholesterol transport and potentially to the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic effects of HDL particles. Therefore raising HDL cholesterol represents an important strategy for reducing residual cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients already optimally treated with statin, and should lead to further improvements in clinical outcomes.ope