Lipid Profile Abnormalities and Their Association with Glycemic Control in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case–Control Study

Abstract

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children is associated with metabolic alterations that predispose to early cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia is an important modifiable risk factor and is strongly influenced by glycemic control. Objectives: To compare the lipid profile of children with T1DM and healthy controls, and to evaluate the association between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and dyslipidemia among diabetic children. Methods: This prospective, hospital-based case–control study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric center from April 2020 to December 2021. Forty children with T1DM (aged 1–18 years, duration >1 year) were compared with forty age- and sex-matched healthy controls. After overnight fasting, venous samples were analyzed for blood glucose, HbA1c (in cases), and complete lipid profile including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL, LDL, VLDL, and TC/HDL ratio. Dyslipidemia was defined according to ADA criteria. Statistical significance was set at p <0.01. Results: Diabetic children had significantly higher mean levels of TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL compared to controls (p <0.001), while HDL was lower but not statistically significant. Dyslipidemia was present in 67.5% of cases versus 22.5% of controls. Hypertriglyceridemia (52.5%) and elevated LDL (42.5%) were the most common abnormalities. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥9%) was strongly associated with dyslipidemia (76.5% vs. 16.7%; p <0.001). Conclusion: Dyslipidemia is highly prevalent in children with T1DM and is strongly linked to poor glycemic control. Early screening and optimization of metabolic control may reduce long-term cardiovascular risk in this population.