Residual inflammatory risk appeared related to weight, atherogenic lipid profile and biomarkers of inflammation, but not to glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Abstract Background Mortality associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease reduces average life expectancy by more than a decade in type 1 diabetes. Systemic inflammation drives atherosclerosis, and the concept of residual inflammatory risk (defined by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) ≥2 mg/l) poses a potential, new therapeutic target for lowering residual cardiovascular risk in type 1 diabetes. However, the characteristics of individuals with residual inflammatory risk in type 1 diabetes are unknown. Purpose Identify differences in relevant demographics, clinical and paraclinical parameters for individuals with residual inflammatory risk as compared to those without in type 1 diabetes. Methods Baseline characteristics as stratified for CRP ≥2 mg/l were analysed in 105 patients with type 1 diabetes participating in a previously published clinical trial. The study population was sampled to represent the broad background population struggling with glycaemic control and with a high cardiovascular risk. Results Residual inflammatory risk was seen in 39.1% of the study population. Compared to individuals without residual inflammatory risk, individuals with residual inflammatory risk were more frequently women, had increased body weight, body mass index and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-assessed fat mass and exhibited elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and total cholesterol as well as triglycerides, interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (Table 1). Glycated haemoglobin, blood pressure and markers of renal function were similar between groups (Table 1). Conclusion In the present cohort of individuals with type 1 diabetes, residual inflammatory risk was seen in 39.1% (similar to what is observed outside of type 1 diabetes) and appeared related to overweight/obesity, an atherogenic lipid profile and circulating biomarkers of inflammation but not to glycaemic control, blood pressure or renal function. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): AstraZenecaHerlev Gentofte Hospital