Application of the individualized objectives defined by the European 2019 lipid guidelines in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background and objective: Cardiovascular disease is one of the main complications of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The ESC/ESA 2019 lipid guide has led to a change in dyslipidemia control. We analyze the evolution of the lipid profile, the fulfillment of the low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) targets, how patients are classified and the impact of this guide on lipid control in T2D patients.

Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study from 2017 to 2020 from a cohort of 297 T2D out of a total of 1229 (95% confidence level). We classified patients according to their cardiovascular risk and whether they met or not their LDL-C goal.

Results: Age 62.58±10.68 years; 52.79% men. Mean LDL-C levels 116.2 at baseline and 100.2mg/dL at 4 years (P<.001). They met their individualized LDL-C target after publication of the guide: 57 (21.67%). There were more controls who were under 65 years (57.9 vs. 36.9%; P<.01; RR 0.83), men (66.7 vs. 49.5%; P<.05; RR 0.86) and smokers (17.5 vs. 7.8%; P<.05). A percentage of 74.23 had a high cardiovascular risk and a target LDL-C<70mg/dL.

Conclusions: Since the publication of the ESC/ESA 2019 lipid guide, a decrease in LDL-C levels has been observed. Only one in 5 patients fulfill their individualized LDL-C target. Male patients, under 65 years of age and smokers presented an advantage in meeting their goal. Most T2D patients have a high cardiovascular risk, and the predominant LDL-C target is less than 70mg/dL.