Type 1 Diabetes: Cholesterol Levels
Topic Overview
Cholesterol (or lipid) problems in people with
type 1 diabetes are usually related to the lack of
insulin.
- Lack of insulin increases the level of
triglycerides. Normally, insulin makes a certain
enzyme that removes triglycerides from the blood. When insulin is used to treat high
blood sugar, the triglyceride level goes back to normal.
- A lack of
insulin (and the high blood sugar that results) raises the level of "bad"
cholesterol (LDL, or
low-density lipoprotein). It returns to normal when
insulin is given.
Data from the Diabetes Complications and Control Trial (DCCT) showed
that people with type 1 diabetes had a lower incidence of heart disease when their blood sugars were kept within a target range. 1
This does not apply to people with nephropathy, because once the
kidney starts losing even small amounts of protein, cholesterol problems begin
to develop.
References
Citations
- Diabetes Control and Complications
Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study Research
Group (2005). Intensive diabetes treatment and cardiovascular disease in
patients with type 1 diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 353(25): 2634–2653.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology |
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| Last Revised | January 13, 2011 |
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Last Revised:
January 13, 2011
Diabetes Control and Complications
Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study Research
Group (2005). Intensive diabetes treatment and cardiovascular disease in
patients with type 1 diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 353(25): 2634–2653.
