Study of Dyslipidemia in Pre- and Postmenopausal Diabetic Women

Abstract

Background: Menopausal transition in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with metabolic changes that may adversely affect lipid profile and increase the risk of vascular complications. This study compared lipid abnormalities, glycaemic parameters, and diabetes-related complications between premenopausal and postmenopausal women with T2DM.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 18 months among 120 women with T2DM (60 premenopausal and 60 postmenopausal) attending a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh. Clinical evaluation, anthropometry, fasting lipid profile, fasting and postprandial blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), urine analysis, fundus examination, and electrocardiography were performed. Data were analysed using independent-sample t test and chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Postmenopausal women had a significantly longer duration of diabetes than premenopausal women (5.89±5.86 vs 3.46±3.08 years; p=0.011). LDL cholesterol (94.98±35.44 vs 81.05±32.82 mg/dL; p=0.027), VLDL cholesterol (44.11±21.92 vs 34.86±20.66 mg/dL; p=0.019), and TC/HDL ratio (5.96±1.71 vs 4.87±1.86; p=0.039) were significantly higher among postmenopausal women, whereas total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol showed no significant differences. Nephropathy (16.7% vs 5.0%; p=0.047) and microvascular complications (31.7% vs 20.0%; p=0.016) were significantly more common in postmenopausal women.

Conclusions: Postmenopausal women with T2DM exhibited a more atherogenic lipid profile and a higher burden of diabetic complications than premenopausal women. Routine lipid screening and early management of dyslipidaemia and vascular complications may reduce long-term cardiovascular risk and improve clinical outcomes in this high-risk population.