A Correlation Study of Serum Lipoprotein (A) Level and the Development of Vascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract

Background and Objectives ABSTRACT Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder and a burdensome chronic disease in the world today. The objective of the study is to assess the vascular complications of type 2 DM with respect to their serum levels of Lp ( a ) . Methodology The present one year correlation study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum on 50 patients diagnosed to have type 2 DM more than 10 years, proved by laboratory reports during the period of January 2007 to December 2007. A detailed history, physical examination, limited vascular and neurological examinations were done. Serum lipoprotein ( a ) levels were measured by randox immunoturbido-metric immunoassay. Fasting lipid profile and blood sugar levels along with other relevant investigations were also done. Results The results of the study showed that, Lp ( a ) values progressively increased as age increased. Diabetic patients with microvascular complications like retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy had increased levels of Lp ( a ) . The present study indicated that better the glycemic control, lesser the mean Lp ( a ) levels. As the blood sugars and other lipid levels increased, Lp ( a ) levels were also increased except HDL wherein an inverse proportion was observed. Lp ( a ) levels may be used as a screening or predictive tool for development of coronary artery disease. X Conclusion and interpretation Lp ( a ) may be an independent risk factor for the development of different microvascular and macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus.