Racial differences in lipid and lipoprotein levels in diabetes.

Racial differences in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels were investigated in 145 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Black men had higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, lower triglyceride levels, and an improved atherogenic index compared with white men. Premenopausal black women were also found to have higher HDL cholesterol levels, lower triglyceride levels, and a lower atherogenic index than their white counterparts. Adjustment for age, waist to hip ratio (WHR), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and physical activity did not eliminate the significant differences found. There were no racial differences found regarding total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Metabolic control as measured by HbA1c was significantly correlated with the triglyceride level in black women. These data confirm that racial differences exist in plasma lipid levels among patients with NIDDM.