Factors associated with postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background: As type 2 diabetic patients have significant postprandial lipid abnormalities, which have a strong and independent association with carotid atherosclerosis (CAS), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is increased in patients with postprandial hypertriglyceridemia despite normal fasting triglyceride (FTG) levels. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the association of various factors with postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and CAS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was carried out among 50 cases of type 2 diabetes. Factors such as age, sex, duration of diabetes, complications of diabetes, lipid profile, and blood sugar were studied. Carotid artery Doppler was done by B-mode ultrasound using a 7.5 MHz transducer with an annular array ultrasound imaging system. Results: The mean duration of diabetes was significantly longer in those with high FTG and postprandial triglyceride (PPTG) levels. The mean serum total cholesterol was also significantly higher in those with high FTG and PPTG levels ( P < 0.05). The mean carotid artery intima-media thickness was increased in those with high FTG and PPTG levels. Other factors were not significantly associated with hypertriglyceridemia or CIMT >1 mm. The mean FTGs and mean PPTG levels were significantly increased in the CIMT >1 mm group compared to the CIMT <1 mm group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant association between FTGs and the levels of PPTGs with CAS. The risk factors for high FTG and PPTG levels were duration of diabetes and high cholesterol levels. The only risk factor for CAS was increased FTG and PPTG levels.