Diabetic Dyslipidemia.

Insulin Resistance represents the central unifying principle of the clustering of abnormalities defining the Metabolic Syndrome and the hallmark of type-2 diabetes. A review of data from NHANES III indicated that 85% of individuals older than 50 with the Metabolic Syndrome were insulin resistant [1]. Even in the absence of over hyperglycemia, or abnormal glucose tolerance, insulin resistance is associated with abnormal lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, characterized by elevated triglycerides and low plasma levels of HDL cholesterol with an increase in the production of small, dense LDL (low density lipoprotein) particles as outlined in Table11. However, total cholesterol and LDL levels are comparable to individuals who are not diabetic, underscoring the importance of quantitative and qualitative lipid measurement, including total particle number and size, to accurately assess cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]