Lipoprotein (a) and other risk factors in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Studies have established a relationship between lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels and cardiovascular disease, but few have studied Lp(a) in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). METHODS: We determined Lp(a) concentrations, levels of glycated hemoglobin, and the personal and family history of atherosclerosis in 88 patients with NIDDM (53 men and 35 women; age, 33-70 years) and 90 age- and sex-matched controls. Twenty-three patients with NIDDM had cardiovascular disease (CVD group) and 65 did not (non-CVD group). RESULTS: Lp(a) levels were higher in CVD than non-CVD patients (P 7.5%) had higher Lp(a) levels than the control group (P < 0.05). Lp(a) levels were higher than 0.30 milligram in 11% of patients without CVD and 55% of those with CVD (P < 0.05). Cluster analysis showed that Lp(a), as well as total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B100, and age were independently related to CVD in patients with NIDDM (P < 0.001 for triglycerides and P < 0.05 for the other variables). CONCLUSIONS: Lp(a) levels can be considered an independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis in NIDDM.