Tracking Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Indices in the Prediabetics of Andaman Nicobar Islands: A Retrospective Hospital-based Study

Context: Cardio vascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in diabetes mellitus (DM) contributing to 65% of all deaths with diabetic complications. The most important cause of CVD is atherosclerosis, and dyslipidemia acts as a marker of developing atherosclerosis. The derangement of lipid profile and atherogenic indices start in the prediabetic state, much before the development of DM. Detection of the deranged lipid profile and atherogenic indices in the prediabetic state can help devise the aggressive treatment strategy right from this stage, so as to arrest the development of CVD as a complication of diabetes.

Aims: To compare the lipid profile and atherogenic indices of prediabetics with controls and diabetics.

Settings And Design: The electronic medical records of 239 subjects were reviewed retrospectively.

Materials And Methods: About 187 cases consisting of 137 diabetics and 50 prediabetics were evaluated for serum fasting blood sugar, post prandial blood sugar, HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc). Atherogenic indices [TC/HDLc, LDLc/HDLc, (TC-HDLc)/HDLc, TG/HDLc] were also evaluated in the two groups. Rest 52 age- and sex-matched subjects were taken as controls.

Statistical Analysis Used: The comparisons were evaluated using SPSS statistical package version 20.

Results: TC, TG, LDLc, and the atherogenic indices were significantly increased in prediabetics as compared with controls. HDLc was significantly decreased in prediabetics.

Conclusions: The altered lipid profile and atherogenic indices in prediabetics signify the increased susceptibility of prediabetics to CVD in the long run. Hence, we recommend screening of prediabetics for dyslipidemia to arrest the development of cardiovascular complications.