Insulin therapy and lipoproteins in patients with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Knowledge on HDL cholesterol has been extended, however, there are still unknown facts, especially concerning HDL cholesterol, type 1 diabetes mellitus and insulin therapy. It is known that HDL is responsible for the transport of cholesterol to the liver. It is called the "good cholesterol" due to its advantageous properties. HDL cholesterol reduces cardiovascular risk by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, profibrinolytic and antithrombotic effects. The influence of HDL on the incidence of chronic complications of type 1 diabetes has not been yet fully understood. The researchers observed an increase in HDL cholesterol level after initiation of insulin therapy. Significant is the fact that insulin affects lipoprotein metabolism in type 1 diabetes, as it is the treatment of choice in this group of patients.