High density lipoproteins and type 2 diabetes: Emerging concepts in their relationship

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) frequently exhibit macrovascular complications of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease. High density lipoproteins (HDL) are protective against atherosclerosis. Low levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) independently contribute to CV risk. Patients with T2DM not only exhibit low HDL-C, but also dysfunctional HDL. Furthermore, low concentration of HDL may increase the risk for the development of T2DM through a decreased β cell survival and secretory function. In this paper, we discuss emerging concepts in the relationship of T2DM with HDL.