Lipid modification for patients with diabetes

Lipid modification is important in prevention of both microvascular complications and cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes. See Diabetic retinopathy for information about lipid modification in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

An appropriate monitoring schedule for blood lipid levels is shown in Recommended frequency of screening for and monitoring of chronic complications and conditions associated with type 1 diabetes for type 1 diabetes and Recommended frequency of screening for and monitoring of chronic complications and conditions associated with type 2 diabetes for type 2 diabetes.

Elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride concentrations, and a lowered serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration are important risk factors for vascular disease.

High-intensity statin treatment has been shown to prevent cardiovascular events and is recommended in all patients with diabetes at high risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of their lipid levels (see Estimating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk). For detailed advice on managing dyslipidaemia, see Lipid modification.