Lipid metabolism correction in elderly patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Aim. To study simvastatin effects on lipid metabolism in elderly patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2) and isolated hypercholesterolemia (HCH) or combined hyperlipidemia (CHL). Material and methods. The study included compensated or subcompensated DM-2 patients (n=41) with isolated HCH or CHL, after 3 months of lipid-lowering diet. All participants received Vasilip (10 mg/d) for the first 6 weeks. In patients with less than 10% reduction in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TCH, LDL-CH) levels, simvastatin dose was increased up to 20 mg/d. This treatment regimen lasted for another 6 weeks. Results. Simvastin (10-20 mg/d) was effective for achieving target TCH and LDL-CH levels in 58.5% of the patients. After 6-week simvastatin treatment (10 mg/d), mean levels of TCH reduced by 13.8%, LDL-CH – by 16.7%, triglycerides (TG) – by 18.4%, atherogenic index (AI) – by 25,5%; the dynamics was statistically insignificant. Medication dose was increased up to 20 mg/d in 24 cases; after 6 weeks of this therapy regimen, levels of TCH decreased by 26.2%, LDL-CH – by 22.8%, and AI – by 39.6%, comparing to the baseline. Vasilip was welltolerated; gastro-intestinal adverse effects did not result in medication withdrawal. Conclusion. In elderly DM-2 patients, 6-week vasilip therapy (10-20 mg/d) demonstrated significant lipid-lowering effect. Optimal TCH and LDL-CH levels were achieved in 60% of the patients. Vasilip was an effective and welltolerated medication.