Diabetic dyslipidemia: a practical guide to therapy.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) should be the primary target of lipid-lowering therapy for patients with diabetes. Because of their robust reduction of LDL, statins are considered the agents of choice for these patients. Triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are also important targets. Combination therapy with fibrates or niacin is common due to concurrent high TG and low HDL levels in these patients. Data supporting an LDL goal of <70 mg/dL for patients with diabetes are limited and contradictory at this time.