Elevated remnant cholesterol increase 6-year type 2 diabetes mellitus onset risk

Abstract

AimTo investigate the association of remnant cholesterol (RC) with future type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk, and to assess the underlying impact of some recognized risk factors on it. MethodsA total of 11468 nondiabetic adults in rural China were recruited in 2007–2008 and followed up in 2013–2014. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk of incident T2DM by quartiles of baseline RC, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Association of the combinations of RC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with T2DM risk were further evaluated. ResultsMultivariable adjusted OR (95% CI) for incident T2DM associated with quartile 4 versus quartile 1 of RC was 2.72 (2.05–3.62). Per 1-standard deviation (SD) increases in RC levels was associated with a 34% higher T2DM risk. However, gender modified the specific association (Pinteraction < 0.05), with the association stronger among females. When combining the low LDL-C and low RC groups as reference, individuals with RC levels ≥ 0.56 mmol/L had more than a 2-fold T2DM risk, regardless of LDL-C level. ConclusionsElevated RC levels increase T2DM risk in rural Chinese populations. In those who cannot control their risk by lowering LDL-C levels, the goal of lipid-lowering therapy can be shifted to RC.