Introduction. Diabetic nephropathy significantly increases cardiovascular risk because of accelerated progression of atherosclerosis. A surrogate marker of subclinical atherosclerosis is carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).
The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between serum lipids and IMT in patients with diabetic nephropathy, and to assess the impact of dyslipidemia on carotid atherosclerosis progression.
Method and materials. The study involved 105 patients with diabetic nephropathy. Carotid IMT was measured using high-resolution echo Doppler ultrasound. Lipid profiles, HbA1c levels, and blood pressure were analyzed. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between lipid parameters and IMT, adjusting for age, duration of diabetes, body mass index, and blood pressure.
Results. Most patients were male (53.3%) and over 60 years old (47.6%), in stages II-III of diabetic nephropathy (64.8%) and grade I hypertension (48.6%). About 49.5% had diabetes for over 10 years, and 63.8% were overweight or obese. Poor glycemic control was noted in 75.2% of patients. Dyslipidemia was prevalent: 63.8% had triglycerides >180 mg/dL, 75.2% had total cholesterol >200 mg/dL, 69.5% had LDL-cholesterol >110 mg/dL, and 75.2% had HDL-cholesterol <49 mg/dL. Significant correlations were found between serum lipid levels and IMT: total cholesterol (p<0.001), triglycerides (p<0.001), LDL-cholesterol (p=0.003), and HDL-cholesterol (p<0.001).
Conclusions. Dyslipidemia significantly contributes to carotid atherosclerosis in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Elevated triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol levels are strongly associated with increased IMT, indicating higher cardiovascular risk. Effective lipid management, along with blood pressure and glucose control, are crucial for reducing cardiovascular risk.
Keywords: dyslipidemia, diabetic nephropathy, intima media thickness.
Full text sources https://doi.org/10.31688/ABMU.2024.59.4.01
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Address for correspondence:
Ergita NELAJ
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania
Address: Dibra’s Street, No 370, Tirana, Albania
Email: dr_ergi@yahoo.com; Phone +35-569-206-6148
