Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and statin use among Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus.

Qualls LG, Hammill BG, Maciejewski ML, Curtis LH, Jones WS. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and statin use among Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus. Diabetes & vascular disease research. 2016 May 1; 13(3):244-6.

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Abstract:

At the time of this study, guidelines recommended a primary goal of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level less than 100?mg/dL for all patients, an optional goal of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol less than 70?mg/dL for patients with overt cardiovascular disease and statins for patients with diabetes and overt cardiovascular disease and patients 40?years and older with diabetes and at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study examined statin use and achievement of lipid goals among 111,730 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries 65?years and older in 2011. Three-quarters of patients met the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal of less than 100?mg/dL. Patients with cardiovascular disease were more likely to meet the goal than those without, not controlling for other differences. Patients on a statin were more likely to meet the goal. There is considerable opportunity for improvement in cholesterol management in high-risk patients with diabetes mellitus.