Correlation between triglyceride level and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is intricately linked with increased cardiovascular risks, primarily due to dyslipidemia, including elevated triglyceride levels. This prospective study aimed to assess the correlation between triglyceride levels and cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM patients. Conducted over a year at a tertiary care center, it involved 150 T2DM patients, using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through interviews, medical records review, and laboratory tests, focusing on triglyceride levels and other cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure, BMI, smoking status, and family history of CVD. Statistical analysis included Pearson's correlation and multivariate regression. The study revealed a male dominance (60%) in the sample, with an average age of 55 years and a predominantly overweight profile (mean BMI of 28.5 kg/m²). Hypertriglyceridemia was prevalent, with only 26.7% showing normal triglyceride levels. Hypertension (66.7%) and dyslipidemia (53.3%) were the most common cardiovascular risk factors. Significant positive correlations were found between triglyceride levels and hypertension (r=0.25, p=0.01), BMI (r=0.30, p<0.001), and diabetes duration (r=0.15, p=0.05). Multivariate analysis suggested high triglycerides significantly increased the odds of
hypertension and obesity. Over the year, a slight decrease in mean triglyceride levels was observed, yet obesity prevalence increased.
These findings underscore the critical association between elevated triglyceride levels and cardiovascular risks in T2DM patients, highlighting the importance of targeted management strategies for hypertriglyceridemia and obesity in this group.