RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate whether glycation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increases cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by altering its anti-atherogenic property.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>Data cited in this review were obtained mainly from Pubmed and Medline in English from 2000 to 2013, with keywords "glycation", "HDL", and "atherosclerosis". Study selection Articles regarding glycation of HDL and its role in atherogenesis in both humans and experimental animal models were identified, retrieved and reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Glycation alters the structure of HDL and its associated enzymes, resulting in an impairment of atheroprotective functionality and increased risks for cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Glycation of HDL exerts a deleterious effect on the development of cardiovascular complications in diabetes.</p>