A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Features of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With Respect to Dyslipidemia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is frequently associated with dyslipidemia, which accelerates cardiovascular risk and worsens metabolic control. Understanding how clinical features differ between patients with diabetes with and without dyslipidemia is essential for early identification of high-risk individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical features of patients with type 2 diabetes who have dyslipidemia and those who do not, to identify any important differences in their health patterns.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (March-August 2024) at multiple secondary and primary care centers in Karachi, Pakistan, with ethical approval from Sindh Government Hospital, Malir (Approval No. 1477). A total of 340 patients aged 30-75 years were enrolled, divided equally into dyslipidemic (Group A) and non-dyslipidemic (Group B) groups. The chi-square test and an independent t-test were used to examine associations between categorical and continuous variables. Pearson's chi-square statistic, degrees of freedom, and p-values were obtained. Effect size was calculated using Cramer's V to determine the strength of association.

RESULTS

The dyslipidemia group showed distinct demographic patterns with male predominance (117 (68.8%), p < 0.001), higher smoking prevalence (45.3% vs 17.1%, p < 0.001), and lower physical activity levels (61.2% vs 73.5%, p = 0.015). These patients were significantly older (60.0 ± 15.85 vs 53.51 ± 14.40 years, p < 0.001) and had greater weight (72.05 ± 13.07 vs 66.90 ± 16.01 kg, p = 0.001). Clinical symptoms were more prevalent among dyslipidemic patients, including frequent urination (99 (58.2%) vs 46 (27.1%), p < 0.001), visual impairment (104 (61.2%) vs 72 (42.4%), p = 0.001), and blurred vision (78 (45.9%) vs 47 (27.6%), p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia had a higher prevalence of visual disturbances, urinary symptoms, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and other systemic complaints compared with non-dyslipidemic patients. Significant differences were observed in blurred vision, chest discomfort, increased thirst, fatigue, and mood changes.