> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foodconsumer.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# LDL cholesterol needs to be lowered in diabetes mellitus patients - report
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/ldl_cholesterol_diabetes_mellitus_0817141109/
- Published: 2014-08-18T00:08:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:21:51.000Z
- Description: A report argues type 2 diabetes patients should aggressively lower LDL cholesterol, not just blood sugar, because LDL appears to have the greatest effect on early atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. It puts their cardiovascular risk at two to four times higher.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Disease, Health News, #vivvo-import

Blood sugar is not the only thing type 2 diabetes mellitus patients need to lower. A new report suggests that diabetes mellitus patients should do whatever they can to control their low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) because LDL-C among many other risk factors has the greatest effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes mellitus patients likely suffer dyslipidemia characterized by increased triglyceride (TG), decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and increased LDL-C. Diabetic dyslipidemia is linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

According to the report, patients with diabetes mellitus are at 2 to 4 fold increased risk for CVD. Risk factors for coronary artery disease include high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, obesity, and tobacco smoking. 

The report suggests it is vital to prioritize control of the risk factors in diabetes mellitus patients. It points out that LDL-C seems to have the greatest impact on premature and early atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease and medications should be used to aggressively lower LDL-C to lower the risk of coronary artery disease.

*Daniel MJ. Lipid management in patients with type 2 diabetes. Am Health Drug Benefits. 2011 Sep;4(5):312-22.*