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Abstract
Background:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health concern, with cardiovascular complications largely driven by dyslipidemia. Oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin are central to glycemic management, yet their effects on lipid metabolism may differ. This study compares lipid profiles in T2DM patients receiving insulin versus those on oral hypoglycemic agents, with implications for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Materials and Methods:
This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad, from November 2024 to April 2025, enrolling 120 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus equally divided into insulin and oral hypoglycemic agent groups. Participants had at least one year’s disease duration, were on monotherapy for six months, and had a recent lipid profile. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed in SPSS v23.0 with significance set at p<0.05.
Results:
A total of 120 patients with T2DM were enrolled, equally divided between insulin and OHA groups. Both groups had comparable glycemic control (HbA1c: 7.82% vs. 8.05%, p = 0.140), but lipid parameters differed significantly. OHA users had higher total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, along with lower HDL-C compared to insulin users (all p < 0.05). The prevalence of low HDL-C and hypertriglyceridemia was also markedly greater in the OHA group.
Conclusion:
In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, oral hypoglycemic agent therapy was associated with higher triglycerides, lower HDL-C, and a greater burden of dyslipidemia compared to insulin, despite similar glycemic control. These findings highlight the importance of considering lipid effects when tailoring antidiabetic therapy. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate these results and elucidate underlying mechanisms.