Factors Affecting Cardiovascular Risk in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Cardiovascular risk and obesity are becoming major health issues among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors and obesity in youth with T1D in Lithuania. Methods. 883 patients under 25 years of age with T1D for at least 6 months were investigated. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and microvascular complications were evaluated, and the lipid profile and HbA1c were determined for all patients. Results. Study subjects’ mean HbA1c was 8.5±2%; 19.5% were overweight and 3.6% obese. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were diagnosed in 29.8% and 62.6% of participants, respectively. HbA1c concentration was directly related to levels of total cholesterol (r=0.274, p<0.001), LDL (r=0.271, p<0.001), and triglycerides (r=0.407, p<0.001) and inversely associated with levels of HDL (r=0.117, p=0.001). Prevalence of dyslipidemia increased with duration of diabetes (p<0.05). Hypertension was more prevalent in overweight and obese compared to normal-weight patients (40.6 and 65.6 vs. 25.6%, respectively, p<0.001). Frequency of microvascular complications was higher among patients with dyslipidemia (27.2 vs. 18.8%, p=0.005) and among those with hypertension (25.9 vs. 23.2%, p<0.001). Conclusion. The frequency of cardiovascular risk factors is high in youth with T1D and associated with diabetes duration, obesity, and metabolic control.