Relationship Between Non-HDL Cholesterol and Microvascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) represents the cholesterol content of all atherogenic lipoproteins and may provide additional information regarding cardiovascular and metabolic risk in type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated the relationship between non-HDL-C concentration and early microvascular complications in adults with type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional observational study included 172 adults with established type 2 diabetes. Fasting lipid profiles, HbA1c, blood pressure, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and estimated glomerular filtration rate were assessed. Participants were categorized into tertiles according to non-HDL-C concentration. Individuals in the highest tertile had greater urinary albumin excretion and a higher prevalence of early diabetic kidney abnormalities. Higher non-HDL-C was also associated with longer diabetes duration and poorer glycemic control. After adjustment for age, sex, diabetes duration, HbA1c, BMI, and blood pressure, non-HDL-C remained independently associated with urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio. These findings suggest that elevated non-HDL-C may be associated with early microvascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes.