Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are considered coronary heart disease (CHD) risk equivalents, due to the strong association of diabetes and serious cardiovascular disease. Type 2 diabetes is associated with other CHD risk factors such as elevated LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides. Lipid disorders should be managed aggressively in diabetic patients to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events. The therapeutic LDL goal for diabetic patients is <100 mg/dL; for diabetics with diagnosed CHD, an optional goal of <70 mg/dL should be considered. If drug treated patients do not reach targets on maximal tolerated statin therapy, a reduction in LDL cholesterol of ~40% of baseline is an alternative therapeutic goal. Monitoring and treatment strategies for lipid disorders should be pursued in accordance with the BOP Clinical Practice Guideline on Management of Lipid Disorders
Nov 042010