Background: Atherosclerosis appears to begin in youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an independent marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in adults, but its relation to dyslipidemia and other CVD risk factors in adolescents with T1DM is unknown.
Objective: To study the association between lipids and hsCRP in youth with T1DM.
Design: Cross-sectional cohort.
Methods: hsCRP and fasting lipids were measured in 74 patients with T1DM, mean age 16.2 +/- 2.62 yr, mean duration of diabetes 7.3 +/- 4.0 yr, and mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 8.5 +/- 1.3%. According to the American Heart Association/Centers for Disease Control recommendations, hsCRP values were divided into three groups: group 1: <1.0 mg/L, low CVD risk; group 2: 1.0-3.0 mg/L, average CVD risk; and group 3: >3 mg/L, high CVD risk. Univariate linear regression between hsCRP and lipid and clinical parameters was used, with adjustment for age.
Results: hsCRP was significantly associated with triglycerides (Tg), apoB, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Subjects in the high CVD risk group had no further worsening of lipids or BP, except for a higher Tg level. ApoB, SBP, and DBP were elevated in females with hsCRP > or =1 compared with the low-risk group, and high-density lipoprotein was decreased. In males, this difference was only significant for SBP.
Conclusions: Elevation of hsCRP to a level > or =1.0 mg/L appears to be associated with elevated lipid levels in adolescents with T1DM, particularly in females. hsCRP is a marker in youth that clusters with dyslipidemia and may indicate an increased CVD risk in youth with T1DM.