Hypertriglyceridaemia(HTG) occurs due to both increased production and decreased clearance, and it is the most common abnormality of diabetic dyslipidemia. Insulin resistance causes increased production of VLDL . In addition to increased secretion of VLDL, there is decreased clearance of VLDL due to decreased hepatic uptake and impaired activity of lipoprotein lipase.Management of dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes is an important step in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death in the diabetic population. Diabetic dyslipidemia treatments can be divided into non-pharmacological and pharmacological. Non-pharmacological treatment includes ; medical nutrition therapy, weight loss, and physical activity. Diabetic patients should increase the intake of plant stanols/sterols, viscous fiber (legumes, citrus, oats), n-3 fatty acids and decrease the intake of saturated and trans-fatty acids. American Diabetes Association recommends the Mediterranean diet or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).
Dyslipidemia is very common in type 2 diabetes mellitus affecting around 72%-85% of diabetic patients.The exact mechanism of lipoprotein abnormalities in diabetes is not very well understood. Insulin resistance, rather than hyperglycemia, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic dyslipidemia because lipoprotein changes including an increase in triglycerides (TG), increase in VLDL particles, small dense LDL particles and a decrease in HDL level have been shown in patients with impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance and T2DM