Cardiovascular Disease and Dyslipidemia in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes

Despite advances in type 1 diabetes (T1D) management, mortality is still increased, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause. Dyslipidemia is a highly prevalent modifiable CVD risk factor. We reviewed the existing literature on CVD mortality in T1D to highlight CVD risk in pediatric patients with T1D. Pathophysiology of T1D and premature CVD risk is still not fully understood. Dyslipidemia remains a highly prevalent and undertreated CV risk factor in T1D. Statins have been shown to be safe and effective to improve CVD risk in adults with T1D, and in children with familial hypercholesterolemia, in addition to improving lipids levels in children with T1D. T1D is associated with premature CVD mortality, and dyslipidemia is still a highly prevalent and undertreated CVD risk factor. We aim to educate and empower pediatric providers to optimize management of dyslipidemia in pediatric patients with T1D to potentially decrease the CVD risk.