Pharmacologic Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Diabetes: A Case for Therapies in Addition to Statins

Abeer Anabtawi, Patrick M. Moriarty, John M. Miles

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The purpose of the study is to review the use of statins and the role of both non-statin lipid-lowering agents and diabetes-specific medications in the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia. Recent Findings: Statins have a primary role in the treatment of dyslipidemia in people with type 2 diabetes, defined as triglyceride levels >200 mg/dl and HDL cholesterol levels <40 mg/dL. A number of clinical trials suggest that treatment with a fibrate may reduce cardiovascular events. However, the results of these trials are inconsistent, probably because many of their participants did not have dyslipidemia. The choice of medications used to treat diabetes can have major implications regarding management of dyslipidemia; metformin, GLP-1 agonists, and pioglitazone all have favorable lipid effects. These agents, as well as the new SGLT2 inhibitors, may reduce cardiovascular events. Summary: Management of dyslipidemia in people with type 2 diabetes should start with statin therapy and optimal glycemic control with agents that have favorable lipid and cardiovascular effects. We believe that there is a role for adding fenofibrate to moderate-intensity statins in selected patients with true dyslipidemia. We propose an algorithm for selecting add-on medications for diabetes (after metformin) based on lipid status.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number62
JournalCurrent cardiology reports
Volume19
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2017

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Fibrates
  • Type 2 diabetes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pharmacologic Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Diabetes: A Case for Therapies in Addition to Statins'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this