Type 1 diabetic children have abnormal lipid profiles during pubertal years

Impact of puberty, sex determinants and chronic inflammation on cardiovascular risk in young people

Worrying trends of increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in children, adolescents and young people in the Modern Era have channelled research and public health strategies to tackle this growing epidemic. However, there are still controversies related to the dynamic of the impact of sex, age and puberty on this risk and on cardiovascular health outcomes later in life. In this comprehensive review of current literature, we examine the relationship between puberty, sex determinants and various traditional CVD-risk factors, as well as subclinical atherosclerosis in young people in general population. In addition, we evaluate the role of chronic inflammation, sex hormone therapy and health-risk behaviours on augmenting traditional CVD-risk factors and health outcomes, ultimately aiming to determine whether tailored management strategies for this age group are justified.

Are Clinicians Aggressive Enough in Treating Diabetes-Related Hyperlipidemia in Youth?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Subclinical atherosclerotic changes are noted in youth with diabetes; therefore, timely identification and management of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors including hyperlipidemia is crucial. We review the current guidelines for hyperlipidemia screening and treatment in youth with T1D and T2D. We discuss the efficacy of non-pharmacological strategies including dietary modifications, exercise, and glycemic control and pharmacological therapy. We summarize reported rates of treatment of diabetes-related hyperlipidemia in youth.

RECENT FINDINGS

Hyperlipidemia is prevalent among youth with T1D and T2D. Vast majority of youth with diabetes-related hyperlipidemia do not receive lipid-lowering treatments. There are several factors that contribute to suboptimal management of hyperlipidemia in youth with diabetes including limited data on efficacy and safety of statins in youth with diabetes. We propose strategies to improve hyperlipidemia management including education of providers and patients, quality improvement methods, and electronic health record alerts. Additionally, further studies are warranted to examine the safety of statins in youth with diabetes, cost-benefit analysis to aggressive screening and treatment, and long-term effect for improving cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

The Theory of Hyperlipidemic Memory of Type 1 Diabetes

A literature search was conducted to identify publications addressing the early phases of lipid phenotypes in children and adults with either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Medline, EMBASE, and Ovid were searched using the following search terms: clinical remission, partial remission, partial clinical remission, honeymoon phase, C-peptide, type 1 or 2 diabetes, children, pediatric type 1 or 2 diabetes, and paediatrics type 1 or 2 diabetes, adults, adult type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Partial clinical remission (PR) of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterized by continued endogenous production of insulin and C-peptide following the diagnosis and the introduction of exogenous insulin therapy. PR is associated with improved glycemic control and reduced prevalence of diabetes complications. The theory of hyperglycemic memory was proposed to explain this concept of improved glycemic outcomes in remitters (those who experienced PR) versus non-remitters (those who did not experience PR). However, this theory is incomplete as it does not explain the dichotomy in early lipid phenotypes in T1D based on PR status, which is an understudied area in diabetology and lipidology. To fill this knowledge gap, we propose the Theory of Hyperlipidemic Memory of T1D. This theory is premised on our 5-year research on early post-diagnostic dichotomy in lipid phenotypes between remitters and non-remitters across the lifespan. It provides a more rigorous explanation for the differences in lifelong atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk between remitters and non-remitters. We conducted 4 clinical studies in pediatric and adult subjects with diabetes mellitus to characterize the particulars of the hyperlipidemic memory. In the first investigation, we explored the impact of the presence or absence of PR on lipid parameters in children and adolescents with T1D. In the second, we investigated whether pubertal maturation influenced our findings in T1D; and whether these findings could be replicated in healthy, non-diabetic children and adolescents. In the third, we leveraged our findings from T1D and controls to investigate the mechanisms of early lipid changes in T2D by comparing the earliest lipid phenotype of subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) to those of remitters, non-remitters, and controls. In the fourth, we investigated the impact of PR on the earliest lipid phenotypes in adults with T1D and compared these early lipid data to those of T2D subjects and controls. This body of work across the lifespan in children, adolescents, and adults supports the Theory of Hyperlipidemic Memory. This new theory clarifies why PR largely determines the risks for early-phase dyslipidemia, mid-term microvascular disease risk, and long-term ASCVD risk in subjects with T1D.

Cardiovascular Risk Prediction by the American Diabetes Association Risk-Assessment Tool and Novel and Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has the ADA risk-assessment tool for cardiovascular risk (CVR) prediction in individuals with T1D. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of novel and traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and the CVR by the ADA risk-assessment tool: 10-year risk for diabetes complications in young adults with T1D.

Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of T1D individuals aged 18-40 years and T1D duration ≥1 year. The ADA risk-assessment tool was applied to predict CVR.

Results: 75 individuals, 61.3% male, with a median age of 30 (26.0-36.0) and 13.0 (6.0-20.0) years of T1D duration. Hypertension was found in 16% of individuals and dyslipidemia in 75.0%. 21.3% were active smokers, 30.7% sedentary, and 42.7% were at least overweight. Most individuals had a 10-year risk <1% for all complications except myocardial infarction (MI). In individuals who were outside the honeymoon period (T1D duration ≥ 5 years), most had a 10-year risk <1% for all complications except MI and amputation. Non-traditional CVRF homocysteine, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio, magnesium, and vitamin D correlated with the ADA risk-assessment tool. 10-year risk for MI ≥1% was significantly more frequent in men.

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to apply the ADA risk-assessment tool: 10-year risk for diabetes complications in T1D. Young adults with T1D have a worrying prevalence of CVRF and show suboptimal control. Most individuals with T1D duration ≥1 year have an estimated 10-year risk <1% for all complications, except for MI.

Dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with type 1 diabetes: A single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) contributes to altered lipid profiles and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Youth with T1D may have additional CVD risk factors within the first decade of diagnosis.

AIM

To examine risk factors for dyslipidemia in young subjects with T1D.

METHODS

Longitudinal and cross-sectional retrospective study of 170 young subjects with T1D (86 males; baseline mean age 12.2 ± 5.6 years and hemoglobin A1c 8.4% ± 1.4%) were followed in a single tertiary diabetes center for a median duration of 15 years. Predictors for outcomes of lipid profiles at last visit (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TGs], low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-c], and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-c]) were analyzed by stepwise linear regression models.

RESULTS

At baseline, 79.5% of the patients had at least one additional CVD risk factor (borderline dyslipidemia/dyslipidemia [37.5%], pre-hypertension/hypertension [27.6%], and overweight/obesity [16.5%]) and 41.6% had multiple (≥ 2) CVD risk factors. A positive family history of at least one CVD risk factor in a first-degree relative was reported in 54.1% of the cohort. Predictors of elevated TC: family history of CVD (β[SE] = 23.1[8.3], P = 0.006); of elevated LDL-c: baseline diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (β[SE] = 11.4[4.7], P = 0.003) and family history of CVD (β[SE] = 20.7[6.8], P = 0.017); of elevated TGs: baseline DBP (β[SE] = 23.8[9.1], P = 0.010) and family history of CVD (β[SE] = 31.0[13.1], P = 0.020); and of low HDL-c levels: baseline DBP (β[SE] = 4.8[2.1], P = 0.022]).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that elevated lipid profiles are associated with DBP and a positive family history of CVD. It is of utmost importance to prevent and control modifiable risk factors such as these, as early as childhood, given that inadequate glycemic control and elevation in blood pressure intensify the risk of dyslipidemia.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia and factors affecting dyslipidemia in young adults with type 1 diabetes: evaluation of statin prescribing

Background There is limited information about cardiovascular complications among young adults (YA) with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who are transitioning from pediatric to adult care. We aimed to study the prevalence and associated factors of dyslipidemia (DLD) and statin treatment in these patients. Methods We recruited 129 YA with T1DM aged 15-25 years. In a cross-sectional analysis, the prevalence of DLD (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] ≥ 100 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] <40 mg/dL [males] or <50 mg/dL [females], total cholesterol [TC] ≥200 mg/dL or triglycerides [TG] ≥150 mg/dL) was reported. Socioeconomic and clinical characteristics were compared between YA with and without DLD. We also assessed statin use among YA with DLD. Results DLD was found in 64% of YA, predominantly increased LDL-C (34.9%). Higher mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was associated with DLD (p < 0.043). Of all YA who met the criteria for statin therapy, only 42% had one prescribed. Conclusions The prevalence of DLD is high in YA with T1DM and is associated with poor glycemic control, and use of statin therapy in this high-risk population is low.

Partial Clinical Remission of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children: Clinical Applications and Challenges with its Definitions

The honeymoon phase, or partial clinical remission (PCR) phase, of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a transitory period that is marked by endogenous insulin production by surviving β cells following a diabetes diagnosis and the introduction of insulin therapy. It is a critical window in the course of the disease that has short and long-term implications for the patient, such as a significant reduction in the risk of long-term complications of T1DM. To promote long-term cardiovascular health in children with newly diagnosed T1DM, three key steps are necessary: the generation of a predictive model for non-remission, the adoption of a user-friendly monitoring tool for remission and non-remission, and the establishment of the magnitude of the early-phase cardiovascular disease risk in these children in objective terms through changes in lipid profile. However, only about 50% of children diagnosed with T1DM experience the honeymoon phase. Accurate and prompt detection of the honeymoon phase has been hampered by the lack of an objective and easily applicable predictive model for its detection at the time of T1DM diagnosis, the complex formulas needed to confirm and monitor PCR, and the absence of a straightforward, user-friendly tool for monitoring PCR. This literature review discusses the most up-to-date information in this field by describing an objective predictive model for non-remission, an easy tool for monitoring remission or non-remission, and objective evidence for the cardiovascular protective effect of PCR in the early phase of the disease. The goal is to present non-remission as an independent clinical entity with significantly poorer long-term prognosis than partial remission.

Pubertal Lipid Levels Are Significantly Lower in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes Who Experienced Partial Clinical Remission

Importance

The physiologic changes in lipids during puberty in type 1 diabetes (T1D) are unclear because subjects in previous studies were not stratified by partial clinical remission status.

Aim

To determine the effect of partial clinical remission on lipid changes during puberty in youth with T1D.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study of 194 subjects consisting of 71 control subjects of age 12.9 ± 1.3 years and 123 subjects with T1D stratified into remitters (n = 44; age, 13.0 ± 0.8 years) and nonremitters (n = 79; age, 11.2 ± 0.6 years). Partial clinical remission was defined as insulin-dose adjusted HbA1c of ≤9. Pubertal status was determined by Tanner staging.

Results

Among the pubertal cohort, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was significantly higher in the nonremitters compared with remitters (91.1 ± 25.6 vs 77.2 ± 25.8 mg/dL, P = 0.018) and with normal-weight control subjects (91.1 ± 25.6 vs 70.4 ± 22.9 mg/dL, P = 0.009) but was similar between overweight/obese control subjects and nonremitters (89.7 ± 28.9 vs 91.1± 25.6 mg/dL, P = 0.81) and between normal-weight control subjects and remitters (70.4 ± 22.9 vs 77.2 ± 25.8 mg/dL, P = 0.39). Total cholesterol was also significantly higher in nonremitters compared with remitters (167.8 ± 30.5 vs 149.8 ± 32.1 mg/dL, P = 0.012) and with normal-weight control subjects (167.8 ± 30.5 vs 143.2 ± 30.1 mg/dL, P = 0.011) but was similar between nonremitters and overweight/obese control subjects (P = 0.098) and between remitters and normal-weight control subjects (P = 0.51). Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was equally significantly higher in nonremitters compared with remitters (111.3 ± 30.1 vs 95.9 ± 29.1 mg/dL, P = 0.028) and normal-weight control subjects (111.3 ± 30.1 vs 86.2 ± 32.2 mg/dL, P = 0.028) but was similar between nonremitters and overweight/obese control subjects (P = 0.48) and between remitters vs normal-weight control subjects (P = 0.39).

Conclusions

Puberty-related reductions in low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and non-high-density lipoprotein occur in remitters and normal-weight control subjects but not in nonremitters and overweight/obese control subjects.

Clinical Characteristics and Sequelae of Severe Hypertriglyceridemia in Pediatrics

OBJECTIVE

Severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) (i.e., plasma triglycerides [TGs] >1,000 mg/dL) in children is a rare but pernicious and understudied condition. Our objective was to evaluate the etiology, characteristics, and sequelae of severe pediatric HTG.

METHODS

This was a retrospective electronic medical record review of pediatric patients with severe HTG at a tertiary referral Children's hospital over a 17-year period.

RESULTS

There were a total of 124 patients with severe HTG. The etiology varied: hemato-oncologic (n = 48), diabetes and insulin resistance-related (n = 46), total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-related (n = 6), renal (n = 12), and miscellaneous (n = 12). There was considerable variability in the number of days for the plasma TGs to decrease to <1,000 mg/dL (147.7 ± 567.3 days) and to further decrease to <500 mg/dL (136.84 ± 230.9 days). Patients with diabetes required the longest time to improve their plasma TGs (165.8 ± 305.7 days) compared to other groups. There were 11 cases of pancreatitis, comorbid with diabetes (n = 5), hemato-oncologic conditions (n = 3), and TPN (n = 3). Sixty-seven patients (54%) had persistent HTG.

CONCLUSION

Severe HTG in pediatrics is commonly due to secondary causes. Patients with diabetes tend to have a longer course of dyslipidemia. A substantial number of patients had persistent dyslipidemia, indicating underlying genetic susceptibility to HTG that is phenotypically expressed consequent to a secondary metabolic insult.

ABBREVIATIONS

DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis; EMR = electronic medical record; GSD = glycogen storage disorder; HbA1c = hemoglobin A1c; HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; HTG = hypertriglyceridemia; ICD-9 = International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision; IV = intravenous; LCHAD = long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency; LPL = lipoprotein lipase; NPO = nothing by mouth; PCOS = polycystic ovary syndrome; T1DM = type 1 diabetes mellitus; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus; TG = triglyceride; TPN = total parenteral nutrition; VLDL = very-low-density lipoprotein.

Children with type 1 diabetes who experienced a honeymoon phase had significantly lower LDL cholesterol 5 years after diagnosis

Importance

Landmark studies showed that partial clinical remission in new-onset type 1 diabetes is associated with reduced prevalence of long-term complications, but early clinical indicators of this favorable outcome are poorly characterized.

Aim

To determine if there were any differences in lipid parameters, especially LDL-cholesterol, between remitters and non-remitters 4 to 5 years after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes after controlling for hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, and pubertal status.

Subjects and methods

A longitudinal retrospective cohort study of 123 subjects of mean age 11.9 ± 2.9 years, [male 11.7 ± 2.9 years, (n = 55); female 12.0 ± 2.9 years, (n = 68), p = 0.60] with type 1 diabetes of 4–5 years duration. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected at the 4^th or 5^th year after diagnosis in line with the American Diabetes Association recommendation to initiate screening for complications in children either at the beginning of puberty or 4–5 years after diagnosis. Puberty was defined by Tanner stages II-V. Partial clinical remission was defined by the gold-standard insulin-dose adjusted hemoglobin A1c (IDAA1c) of ≤9.

Results

There were 44 (35.8%) remitters (age 13.0 ± 2.5y; male 52.3%). Both the total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly lower in remitters compared to non-remitters: LDL-C: 78.8 ± 28.7 mg/dL vs. 91.6 ± 26.5 mg/dL, p = 0.023; and total cholesterol: 151.5 ± 32.6 mg/dL vs. 167.0 ± 29.6 mg/dL, p = 0.015. Other lipid fractions were similar between the groups. There were no differences between the groups for glycemic control, body mass index z score, thyroid function, celiac disease occurrence, or vitamin D status. A greater number of remitters were in puberty compared to non-remitters (86.4% vs. 60.8%, p = 0.006). LDL-C concentration was similar in prepubertal remitters vs. non-remitters (p = 0.93), but was significantly lower in remitters in puberty compared to non-remitters in puberty (p = 0.018) after adjusting for age and duration of diabetes.

Conclusions

Children with type 1 diabetes who underwent a honeymoon phase had significantly lower LDL cholesterol 5 years after diagnosis. This early divergence in lipidemia may explain the dichotomy in the prevalence of long-term complication in type 1 diabetes between remitters and non-remitters. It also offers a pathway for targeted lipid monitoring in type 1 diabetes, by establishing non-remission as a non-modifiable risk factor for vascular complication in type 1 diabetes.

Predictors of Dyslipidemia Over Time in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: For the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

OBJECTIVE

Understanding the risk factors associated with progression and regression of dyslipidemia in youth with type 1 diabetes may guide treatments.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 1,478 youth with type 1 diabetes (age 10.8 ± 3.9 years, 50% male, 77% non-Hispanic white, not on lipid-lowering medications) at baseline and at a mean follow-up of 7.1 ± 1.9 years in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth (SEARCH) study. Progression to dyslipidemia was defined as normal lipid concentrations at baseline and abnormal at follow-up (non-HDL-cholesterol [C] >130 mg/dL or HDL-C <35 mg/dL). Regression was defined as abnormal lipids at baseline and normal at follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with progression and regression compared with stable normal and stable abnormal, respectively. An area under the curve (AUC) variable was used for the time-varying covariates A1C and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR).

RESULTS

Non-HDL-C progressed, regressed, was stable normal, and stable abnormal in 19%, 5%, 69%, and 7% of youth with type 1 diabetes, respectively. Corresponding percentages for HDL-C were 3%, 3%, 94%, and 1%, respectively. Factors associated with non-HDL-C progression were higher A1C AUC and higher WHtR AUC in males. Non-HDL-C regression was associated with lower WHtR AUC, and HDL-C progression was associated with male sex and higher WHtR AUC. HDL-C regression was not modeled due to small numbers.

CONCLUSIONS

A1C and WHtR are modifiable risk factors associated with change in dyslipidemia over time in youth with type 1 diabetes.

The prevalence of dyslipidemia and associated factors in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidemia increases the frequency and severity of micro and macrovascular complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The present study aims to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its association with clinical and laboratory findings in diabetic children and adolescents.

METHODS

The study included 202 children and adolescents with T1D. Demographic data and laboratory findings were obtained from patients files.

RESULTS

Dyslipidemia prevalence was found to be 26.2%. Hypercholesterolemia (15.8%) and hyperglyceridemia (12.9%) were most common findings. Age, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (A1C) and poor metabolic control were significantly higher in cases with dyslipidemia. Smoking rate was 14.1% in the pubertal group. Poor metabolic control and dyslipidemia was found higher among smokers (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Blood lipid levels should be monitored regularly and nutrition education should be repeated periodically to prevent and control dyslipidemia in patients with T1D. Smoking-related risks should be a part of patient education in the pubertal period.

Effect of hepatic insulin expression on lipid metabolism in diabetic mice

BACKGROUND

Hypertriglyceridemia is a common lipid disorder that is characterized by elevated plasma levels of triglyceride (TG)-rich particles, such as very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), in poorly controlled diabetes. The aim of the present study was to determine the potential therapeutic effect of hepatic insulin production on hypertriglyceridemia in mice.

METHODS

Mice were induced diabetic and hypertriglyceridemic by streptozotocin (STZ) treatment. Using an adenovirus-mediated gene transfer approach, we delivered rat preproinsulin cDNA into the liver of diabetic mice and then determined plasma TG metabolism. To investigate the mechanism by which hepatic insulin improves TG metabolism, we determined hepatic expression of apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III), a structural moiety and functional inhibitor of VLDL-TG catabolism.

RESULTS

Plasma VLDL-TG levels were markedly elevated in STZ-treated mice, and were accompanied by hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. These metabolic abnormalities were restored to near normal following hepatic insulin production in insulin vector-treated diabetic mice. In contrast, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia persisted in control vector-treated diabetic animals. Hepatic ApoC-III expression became deregulated secondary to insulin deficiency, contributing to impaired TG metabolism in diabetic mice. Hepatic insulin production suppressed excessive hepatic ApoC-III production to basal levels.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic insulin production is efficacious in correcting hypertriglyceridemia associated with insulin deficiency in diabetic mice.

Dyslipidemia in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

The association between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) and dyslipidemia (DLP) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of dyslipidemia in young T1D patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study design was cross-sectional and descriptive. We reviewed medical records of T1D patients followed at an endocrinology service, from 1998-2012.

DATA COLLECTED

gender, actual age and age at diagnosis, duration of T1D since diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), pubertal stage, glycemic control (GC) determined by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), HDL, LDL, triglycerides (TG). To analyze lipid profile and metabolic control, we used the Brazilian Society of Diabetes Guidelines.

RESULTS

Were included 239 T1D patients, 136 (56.9%) females; mean ± SD: actual age 15.7 ± 5.0 years and at T1D diagnosis 7.3 ± 3.9; T1D duration 10.6 ± 6.4 years, 86.6% puberty, 15.1% overweight. The prevalence of DLP was 72.5%, 63.3% females, 86.6% puberty, mean ± SD: actual age 15.4 ± 4.8 years and at T1D diagnosis 7.2 ± 4.1 years, duration of T1D 10.7 ± 6.1 years. We found high-CT in 56.7%, low-HDL = 21.7%, high LDL = 44.0%, high-TG = 11.8%. Between females with DLP, 83.5% was in puberty. We find correlation between the presence of DLP, a poor GC and BMC.

CONCLUSION

We found a high prevalence of DLP in young patients with T1D, particularly in puberty females. Programs targeting the prevention of dyslipidemia should be adopted, especially for this group, in order to prevent/delay chronic complications and cardiovascular disease.

Nutrition evidence-based guidelines for treating hyperlipidemia in children with type 1 diabetes: a case presentation

PURPOSE

The purpose of this case presentation is to review the current nutrition evidence-based guidelines and treatment goals for hyperlipidemia in children with type 1 diabetes. The American Heart Association (AHA) places children with type 1 diabetes in the highest tier for cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

Early screening for hyperlipidemia in children with diabetes is recommended to identify those children at risk. If the fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level is > or = 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L), medical nutrition therapy is recommended as the first line of treatment to reach the desired goal (LDL-C <100 mg/dL). Medical nutrition therapy includes the following: decreasing saturated fat (<7% total calories), avoiding trans fatty acids, decreasing total cholesterol to <200 mg daily, increasing soluble fiber, and adding phytosterols daily.

RESULTS

The patient discussed in this case presentation achieved a desired LDL-C level <100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) by following the recommended heart-healthy guidelines. Statin therapy was not considered unless the LDL-C goal, <130 mg/dL (3.38 mmol/L), was not achieved by diet alone.

CONCLUSIONS

In this case study, evidence-based nutrition guidelines have been evaluated and reviewed to demonstrate heart-healthy eating for children with hyperlipidemia and type 1 diabetes. It is known that approximately 40% to 50% of children with elevated lipids will continue to have abnormal lipids into adolescence and early adulthood. Therefore, early screening is recommended by the AHA to track lipid changes during childhood and adolescence and to begin treating abnormal LDL-C levels to prevent the development of atherosclerosis.

Prevalence of abnormal lipid profiles and the relationship with the development of microalbuminuria in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To explore the prevalence of lipid abnormalities and their relationship with albumin excretion and microalbuminuria in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study population comprised 895 young subjects with type 1 diabetes (490 males); median age at the baseline assessment was 14.5 years (range 10-21.1), and median diabetes duration was 4.8 years (0.2-17). A total of 2,194 nonfasting blood samples were collected longitudinally for determination of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, TG, and non-HDL cholesterol. Additional annually collected data on anthropometric parameters, A1C, and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were available.

RESULTS

Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol were higher in females than in males (all P < 0.001). A significant proportion of subjects presented sustained lipid abnormalities during follow-up: total cholesterol >5.2 mmol/l (18.6%), non-HDL cholesterol >3.4 mmol/l (25.9%), TG >1.7 mmol/l (20.1%), and LDL cholesterol >3.4 mmol/l (9.6%). Age and duration were significantly related to all lipid parameters (P < 0.001); A1C was independently related to all parameters (P < 0.001) except HDL cholesterol, whereas BMI SD scores were related to all parameters (P < 0.05) except total cholesterol. Total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol were independently related to longitudinal changes in ACR (B coefficient +/- SE): 0.03 +/- 0.01/1 mmol/l, P = 0.009, and 0.32 +/- 0.014/1 mmol/l, P = 0.02, respectively. Overall mean total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol were higher in microalbuminuria positive (n = 115) than in normoalbuminuric subjects (n = 780): total cholesterol 4.7 +/- 1.2 vs. 4.5 +/- 0.8 mmol/l (P = 0.04) and non-HDL cholesterol 3.2 +/- 1.2 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.8 mmol/l (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In this longitudinal study of adolescents with type 1 diabetes, sustained lipid abnormalities were related to age, duration, BMI, and A1C. Furthermore, ACR was related to both total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, indicating a potential role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

Longitudinal lipid screening and use of lipid-lowering medications in pediatric type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Because cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and dyslipidemia is an important CVD risk factor, we investigated dyslipidemia and its treatment in children with T1D.

STUDY DESIGN

Subjects had T1D (n = 360), repeated lipid measurements (n = 1095; mean, 3.04 +/- 0.94; range, 2 to 11), and were seen between 1994 and 2004. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL) were categorized on the basis of published guidelines. Age, diabetes duration, sex, body mass index, HbA1c, and lipid-lowering medication use were recorded. Predictors of TC, HDL, and non-HDL were determined.

RESULTS

Sustained abnormalities existed for TC > or = 200 mg/dL (16.9%); HDL < 35 mg/dL (3.3%); and non-HDL > or = 130 mg/dL (27.8%), > or = 160 mg/dL (10.6%), and > or = 190 mg/dL (3.3%). Lipid-lowering medications were started on 23 patients. In mixed model longitudinal data analyses, HbA1c was significantly related to TC and non-HDL. Body mass index z-score was inversely related to HDL.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective, longitudinal study of pediatric patients with T1D with repeated lipid measurements, sustained abnormal levels for TC, HDL, and non-HDL were present. Prospective longitudinal data for dyslipidemia in youth with T1D are needed.