Management of lipids in patients with diabetes

Key Points:

-- Lipid abnormalities in people with diabetes is a major contributing factor to cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.

-- Primary care practitioners are at the forefront of screening, diagnosing, and treating patients with diabetes and abnormal lipids to prevent cardiovascular risks and other comorbid chronic conditions.

-- Although low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) may be normal in some cases, there are benefits in lowering high levels of LDL-C in those with diabetes.

-- Treatment of abnormal lipids in those with diabetes is effective with combined nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment measures.

-- With adequate training, support, and appropriate protocol, nurses are in a unique position to diagnose, treat, educate, and follow those with diabetes and abnormal lipids.