Hypertriglyceridemia in diabetes

Hypertriglyceridemia is frequent in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and is a main feature of diabetic dyslipidemia. Hypertriglyceridemia is observed both in the postprandial state, due to increased production and reduced catabolism of chylomicrons, and, in the fasting state, due to increased production and reduced catabolism of VLDL. Insulin resistance, observed in T2D patients, is an important factor responsible for the increased production and the reduced catabolism of chylomicrons and VLDL. Hypertriglyceridemia has direct consequences on lipid metabolism, in T2D, such as the formation of small dense LDL particles, which are atherogenic, and the increase of the catabolism of HDL leading to low plasma HDL-cholesterol levels. Hypertriglyceridemia is one of the factors responsible for increased cardiovascular disease in T2D. Thus, treatment of hypertriglyceridemia should be considered in T2D patients with increased cardiovascular risk.