Lipid Lowering Effect of Anti Diabetic Agents-Recent Research

Diabetes mellitus type 2(T2DM) is a multifactorial metabolic disease characterized by abnormalities at multiple organ sites. In T2DM, the disturbances in lipid profiles, especially increased susceptibility to lipid peroxidation leads to atherosclerosis due to increased oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and impaired vascular function. In patients with T2DM, besides controlling blood pressure and lipid levels, the major therapeutic goal is to optimize glycaemic control in order to reduce the development and severity of long-term diabetic complications. U.K. Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) emphasize life-style management, diet, and exercise as the first-line approach, followed by therapy with hypoglycemic or antihyperglycemic agents, either alone or in combination. Type 2 diabetes and elevated plasma lipid levels are important independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease like coronary heart disease. The choice of an antihyperglycemic agent for patients with type 2 diabetes in whom abnormal plasma lipid levels are often seen should take into account for effective lipid control. Patients with type 2 diabetes are at 2 to 4 fold greater risk for coronary heart disease and stroke and 2 to 8 fold greater risk for heart failure than the general population. Recent prospective and retrospective studies have confirmed that the antidiabetic drugs have favourable effects on lipid profile. Given the risk of macrovascular disease in this people, an understanding of the alterations in the major lipids that occur due to the broad range of antidiabetic medications may enhance our approach to drug selection for the better treatment of type 2 diabetes.