Effect of intensive diabetes therapy on diabetic dyslipidemia

Alterations in lipoprotein levels and composition may contribute to the greater risk of vascular disease in people with diabetes. The untreated diabetic state is characterized by reduced lipoprotein lipase activity with elevated triglyceride and reduced HDL levels. Lipid levels in IDDM nearly normalize with conventional diabetes therapy and improve with intensive diabetes control, despite significant weight gain. The hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL levels of NIDDM may persist despite institution of diabetes therapy, and the effect of long-term intensive diabetes therapy on lipid levels is not yet known.