Lipoprotein (a) and glycaemic control in Pakistani subjects with diabetes mellitus
Habib, S.S.; Aslam, M.; Naveed, A.K.; Sattar, A.
Jpma. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 53(2): 54-59
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-9982 PMID: 12705484 Document Number: 561399
Aims: To measure lipoprotein A (Lp(a)) levels in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and to see if there is any difference in Lp(a) levels between diabetics with good glycaemic control and those with poor glycaemic control. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Chemical Pathology, Department of Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Rawalpindi, Pakistan . 60 subjects with DM and 30 healthy individuals were studied. Fasting blood samples were analysed for glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins, and Lp(a). Results: A non-significant difference was found between the lipid profile of normal individuals and DM subjects with a good glycaemic control. Lp(a) levels were significantly increased among the diabetic subjects. The difference in Lp(a) levels between the well controlled and poorly controlled diabetics was non-significant. In the control group, 23.4% had high levels of Lp(a), while 46.7% of the DM subjects had high levels of Lp(a). Conclusion: Glycaemic control improves the lipid profile of persons with diabetes and may even lead to near normalization of lipoprotein concentrations. Diabetics have elevated levels of Lp(a) and the difference in Lp(a) levels between well controlled and poorly controlled diabetics is non-significant.