SUMMARY

The Prevalence of hyperlipidaemia and related clinical features was examined in 205 individuals with insulin -dependent diabetes mellitus. Overall, 40 per cent (82) of the individuals had hyperlipidaemia. Whilst the prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia and combined hyperlipidaemia was greater in patients with insulin-dependent diabetics, mellitus than non-diabetics, this was not the case for hypercholesterolaemia. Hyperlipidaemia was present in older patients, and the daily insulin dose and levels of HbA₁ were higest in those with combined hyperlipidaemia. In addition normolipidaemic subjects had the lowest levels of serum creatinine. Triglyceride levels were predicated (in order of importance) by insulin dose, age at diagnosis, HbA₁ and body. mass index, whilst cholesterol levels were predicted by the age at the time of study, body mass index, Urinary protein excretion, and levels of fasting blood gluciose and HbA₁.

Hyperlipidaemia is common in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and may be particularly apparent in older patients and/or those with early renal dysfunction or poor glycaemic control.