Comparison of Lipid Profile, Liver Enzymes, Creatine Kinase and Lactate Dehydrogenase Among Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients on Statin Therapy

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an epidemic disease affecting millions worldwide; the majority being type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Diabetes mellitus has been shown to be an important risk factor for the development of a variety of cardiovascular diseases, which are becoming common in Ethiopia. Consequently, risk-reducing statin therapy is recommended for nearly all patients with T2DM at 40 years of age or older regardless of cholesterol level. However, some controversies exist regarding its safety.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the levels of lipid profile, liver enzymes, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) among T2DM patients on statin therapy.

Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 100 T2DM patients. The study participants were divided into four groups consisting of equal numbers of participants (n = 25). Group I, II, and III were T2DM patients who were on statin therapy for 14 days-6 months, 6-18 months and ˃18 months, respectively. Group IV consisted of T2DM patients who were not on statin therapy. Convenient sampling technique was implemented till the required number had been achieved. Sociodemographic data was collected by using a standardized questionnaire. Fasting blood was collected and lipid profile, liver enzymes, CK-MB, LDH and fasting blood sugar were analyzed. Data was entered using epi-data and analyzed by one way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc multiple comparison tests using SPSS V. 20.00. A value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean values of total cholesterol and TAG were significantly lower among group III as compared to group I (values = 0.019 & 0.01). Similarly, LDL-c was significantly lower among group III as compared to group I ( = 0.022) and group IV ( = 0.027). Serum liver enzymes, CK-MB and LDH were not significantly different among the study groups ( > 0.05). The mean values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and AST were found within normal range while mean ALP was higher in all study groups. Fasting blood glucose value was not significantly different among the study groups, but higher than normal cut-off value in all groups.

Conclusion: Statin therapy taken for a longer time has an effect in lowering total cholesterol, LDL- c and TAG in T2DM patients. Statin therapy has not brought significant change on CK-MB, LDH, liver enzymes and other parameters among T2DM patients.