Factors Affecting Cardiovascular Risk in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Cardiovascular risk and obesity are becoming major health issues among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors and obesity in youth with T1D in Lithuania. <i>Methods</i>. 883 patients under 25 years of age with T1D for at least 6 months were investigated. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and microvascular complications were evaluated, and the lipid profile and HbA1c were determined for all patients. <i>Results</i>. Study subjects' mean HbA1c was 8.5 ± 2%; 19.5% were overweight and 3.6% obese. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were diagnosed in 29.8% and 62.6% of participants, respectively. HbA1c concentration was directly related to levels of total cholesterol (<i>r</i> = 0.274, <i>p</i> < 0.001), LDL (<i>r</i> = 0.271, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and triglycerides (<i>r</i> = 0.407, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and inversely associated with levels of HDL (<i>r</i> = 0.117, <i>p</i> = 0.001). Prevalence of dyslipidemia increased with duration of diabetes (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Hypertension was more prevalent in overweight and obese compared to normal-weight patients (40.6 and 65.6 vs. 25.6%, respectively, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Frequency of microvascular complications was higher among patients with dyslipidemia (27.2 vs. 18.8%, <i>p</i> = 0.005) and among those with hypertension (25.9 vs. 23.2%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). <i>Conclusion</i>. The frequency of cardiovascular risk factors is high in youth with T1D and associated with diabetes duration, obesity, and metabolic control.